Xi Jinping’s Vision for a Clean, Beautiful, and Sustainable World Resonates Globally at Climate and Just Transition Leaders Summit

Building a Clean, Beautiful, and Sustainable World Together – President Xi Jinping’s Address at the Climate and Just Transition Leaders Summit Sparks Enthusiastic Reactions from the International Community

On April 23, President Xi Jinping of China delivered a speech at the Climate and Just Transition Leaders Summit via video, which has garnered enthusiastic responses from the international community. Leaders from various countries noted that President Xi proposed crucial initiatives in his address, including upholding multilateralism, deepening international cooperation, promoting just transitions, and strengthening pragmatic actions, thus providing direction for global climate governance. He also shared China’s green development philosophy and announced a climate action plan, demonstrating China’s commitment and determination to work with all parties in building a clean, beautiful, and sustainable world.

“Showcasing the Leadership Needed in Today’s World”

In his address, President Xi pointed out, “Although global climate governance has faced challenges, green and low-carbon development has become the trend of the times.” He emphasized, “As long as we have confidence and strengthen solidarity and cooperation, we can overcome obstacles and ensure the stability and long-term progress of global climate governance.”

Putra Adiguna, Executive Director of the Indonesia Energy Transition Institute, remarked, “In a tumultuous world, the voice from Beijing outlines a clear vision for global development. Respecting the different needs of countries and sharing the benefits of green development, China’s efforts to promote global climate governance have been warmly welcomed by many nations.”

Wang Xiaojun, Secretary-General of the Asian Climate Action Network, stated, “President Xi’s speech showcases the leadership that the world desperately needs today. Denying climate change or pretending it doesn’t exist is not an option. It is more important than ever for countries to work together to tackle climate change. True leadership comes from a commitment to building a community with a shared future for humanity and the unwavering resolve of leaders.”

Yana Kamala da Silva, Editor-in-Chief of the Brazilian “Radar China” news network, noted that the four key points raised by President Xi have significant practical implications. This year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference will be held in Belém, Brazil. The arguments made by President Xi align with Brazil’s views and provide strong support for hosting the conference. Both Brazil and China place great importance on addressing the climate crisis, indicating a broad consensus among countries in the Global South as they move toward sustainable development.

Mamon Mryda, former Secretary-General of the Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed admiration for President Xi’s timely proposals in his address. Climate change is a global challenge that no single country can face alone. President Xi’s emphasis on promoting just transitions is particularly crucial for developing countries like Bangladesh, which must balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.

“President Xi’s Vision and Leadership Point the Way for Global Climate Action”

Maya Majuran, co-founder of Sri Lanka’s “Belt and Road” organization, stated, “China not only emphasizes its own green development but also engages in green cooperation with partner countries under the Belt and Road Initiative, showcasing irreplaceable leadership through practical actions that inspire countries like Sri Lanka, which are vulnerable to climate change. Only through collaboration can we build a sustainable and resilient future.”

China’s Contributions Hold “Extremely Important Significance”

President Xi stated, “China is a steadfast actor and important contributor to global green development.” He announced that China will present its 2035 national self-determined contribution target, covering the entire economy and all greenhouse gases, before the UN Climate Change Conference in Belém.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised President Xi’s latest climate plan during a press conference following the summit, calling it “extremely important” for global climate action. He noted that leaders from multiple countries have committed to submitting ambitious new climate action plans, sending a strong signal of international unity in addressing climate change. “As we heard today, the world is moving forward at full speed. No country or interest group can halt the clean energy revolution.”

Gareth Redmond-King, International Project Director at the UK-based non-governmental organization Energy and Climate Information Group, stated, “Countries’ commitments to achieving new national self-determined contribution targets indicate that, despite setbacks and some countries retreating, the multilateral process is still ongoing… International cooperation remains vibrant.”

Renato Balderrama, a researcher at Mexico’s Center for Economic Teaching and Research, remarked that President Xi’s clear announcement regarding the 2035 national self-determined contribution target demonstrates China’s firm commitment and accountability in global climate governance. Currently, China holds a leading position globally in the entire supply chain of photovoltaic, wind energy, electric vehicles, and energy storage, continuously supplying green technologies and products to the international market, which is also an important reflection of China’s modernization and its contributions to global public goods.

Clifford Cobb, Vice President of the China-U.S. Postmodern Development Research Institute, highly praised China’s efforts to combat climate change. He stated that China is a leader in global renewable energy production, implementing effective measures to reduce carbon emissions and enhance efficiency in industrial production and transportation. Successful cases like China’s ecological restoration projects on the Loess Plateau could be used globally to address desertification and soil improvement, aiding the international community in tackling issues such as farmland erosion caused by global warming.

Atna Supriyantna, Director of the Climate Change Research Center at the University of Indonesia, believes that China’s experiences in pollution control and low-carbon development, particularly its practices in transforming heavily polluted cities into clean ones, offer valuable lessons for countries like Indonesia. China’s ecological restoration projects enhance carbon sequestration capacity, contributing significantly to global climate governance.

The Guardian reported that President Xi emphasized in his address, “China has built the largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system in the world and has established the most complete new energy industrial chain globally,” underscoring that “China’s actions in addressing climate change will not slow down.” The report noted that China’s participation in this summit is crucial, positioning the country as a stable and predictable player on the global stage and an important partner for developing nations.

“The Ultimate Beneficiaries of Climate Cooperation Are All of Humanity”

President Xi emphasized, “Regardless of how the international situation changes, China’s actions to address climate change will not wane, efforts to promote international cooperation will not weaken, and the practice of building a community with a shared future for humanity will not cease.”

Thang Chih Min, Director of the China-ASEAN Research Center at the Chulalongkorn University, stated, “President Xi underscored the importance of adhering to multilateralism and promoting openness and inclusivity to overcome barriers and conflicts. This stands in stark contrast to the unilateralism, capriciousness, and disregard for international rules and order exhibited by certain major powers.”

Shyrk Kolzhumbayev, Editor-in-Chief of the Kazakhstan Industry News, noted, “The more complex global challenges become, the more we need to pool our collective wisdom. In addressing the global climate crisis, the key is to adhere to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and to uphold multilateralism. True multilateralism is about win-win cooperation, not zero-sum games. In climate cooperation, every party may feel they are at a loss, but humanity is not short-sighted; the ultimate beneficiaries of climate cooperation are all of humanity.”

Lu Yaoqun, Director of the Governance and Sustainable Development Research Institute at the National University of Singapore, stated, “At a critical juncture where some major economies are regressing on their commitments to sustainable development, President Xi’s address at the Climate and Just Transition Leaders Summit is of great significance.” Currently, multilateral cooperation is crucial for advancing climate transitions. Developing countries are actively responding to climate change but require support from developed nations to better fulfill their responsibilities in mitigating and adapting to climate change. China plays a vital role in urging all parties to undertake strong climate action and build a better world.

Philip Clayton, President of the American Institute for Ecological Civilization, believes that countries should unite to address the global crisis of climate change. Advanced technology nations should develop and share green technologies with developing countries. The global market is the fastest and most effective platform for promoting green technologies and products; imposing high tariffs and other trade barriers is unpopular. “Only by enabling as many people as possible to access green technologies can we overcome the climate crisis, and China’s related initiatives are driving this goal forward.”

Xikun Benveile, a senior diplomat from Laos, stated, “China has shown an open-minded approach to technology sharing and green investment. China is not only a firm practitioner of the Paris Agreement but also helps many developing countries, including Laos, enhance their climate resilience and green development levels through technology sharing, capacity building, and project cooperation. This pragmatic and efficient South-South cooperation model injects new momentum into global climate action.”

Namda Kumar Janadan, Deputy Director of the Climate and Energy Department at Japan’s Earth Environment Strategy Institute, emphasized that maintaining multilateralism, promoting just transitions, and sharing green innovations are crucial for achieving a secure and prosperous future. Only through collective efforts can countries build a resilient home for the Earth.