A groundbreaking international dialogue on the sector-based green transition was held this week, bringing together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the globe. Organized by the Global Environment Institute (GIE) and the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion (GIEC), the event focused on the need for a strategic shift towards sustainable energy practices, particularly in rural areas and developing nations, including key partnerships between China and the Global South.
The conference featured influential speakers, including Prof. Wang Yi, Member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and Deputy Director of the National Committee of Experts on Climate Change. Prof. Wang emphasized the critical importance of global finance and technological cooperation to accelerate the green transition, particularly for developing countries. He pointed out that China has already mobilized over $65 billion in climate finance globally, underscoring its commitment to South-South cooperation.
“To drive climate-friendly supply chains and meet global emission reduction targets, immense capital and technology must be mobilized,” Prof. Wang said. “This dialogue aims to pave the way for a global collaboration that can bring about concrete, sustainable change.”
One of the key highlights was the participation of Charan Jearh Singh, Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs from Fiji, who shared the country’s urgent need for sector-specific green transitions. “Green transition is not just a necessity, it’s an opportunity to protect rural communities that are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change,” Singh stated. He emphasized that agriculture, forestry, and related sectors are responsible for 22% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the impacts of rising temperatures are particularly dire for small island nations like Fiji.
Fiji, already reeling from severe cyclones that destroyed vital infrastructure, including four sugar mills, is focusing on transforming its agriculture sector. “We are looking to convert our sugarcane industry into a green hydrogen hub and build a blue shipping hub to secure a sustainable future for our farmers,” Singh explained. He called for increased international support to help vulnerable nations navigate the green transition.
Prof. Wang Wenjun from the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivered a keynote addressing the complex interplay between economic growth, energy transition, and environmental sustainability. Highlighting China’s commitment to reaching carbon neutrality by 2060, he discussed the importance of harmonizing carbon reduction goals with broader economic, social, and environmental priorities.
*Xie Pengcheng, a researcher from GIEC, expanded on China’s energy strategy, noting that China has successfully led the development of the *Energy Technology Development Roadmap 2050, which includes over 100 key reports and projects. GIEC’s collaborative work with global research centers has positioned China as a key player in shaping the global energy landscape.
Other prominent discussions revolved around Liu Zhen’s presentation on Guangdong’s rural energy transition pathways. Guangdong, with a population of 32 million, is rapidly adopting biofuels, solar energy, and eco-friendly agricultural practices. *Zhang Liqin, CEO of Ningxia CDM Service Centre, outlined the province’s efforts in using carbon trading to transform agriculture, while **He Hong* from Shanxi Coshare Innovation Institute spoke about the potential of repurposing retired coal power plants for renewable energy generation.
Global South Countries: A Call for Technology and Capital
The dialogue also highlighted the urgent need for technology transfer and financial investment in the Global South. Gu Baihe, an Associate Researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, underscored the rising demand for critical minerals, particularly in countries like Indonesia, which is home to over 50% of the world’s nickel ore production. He highlighted the importance of building strong international partnerships in energy and mineral supply chains to ensure the sustainability of the green transition.
Yao Yuanyuan, Executive Director of Guangdong International Engineering Consulting Cooperation, drew attention to the future challenges posed by the surging demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, stressing the need for efficient battery recycling systems, particularly in ASEAN countries, which are rich in renewable energy resources.
Hemiah Marlyista Cermatim, representing Indonesia, shared the country’s ambitious goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 and its plans to ramp up renewable energy (RE) capacity. Cermatim noted that Indonesia is focusing on decarbonizing its transport sector and harnessing the potential of biomass from agricultural waste for clean energy. “International cooperation in finance and technology is vital to achieve our goals,” she emphasized.
Dr. Khalid Walid from the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) presented a stark reality of Pakistan’s energy challenges, citing the country’s carbon-intensive national grid and the pressing need for improved power supply systems. He called for formulating Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) to address the country’s energy gaps while supporting climate resilience.
The event concluded with a unified call for collaborative solutions that integrate the urban-rural divide and extend to vulnerable regions globally. Lin Jinglan of the Global Environment Institute stressed that transitioning to clean energy in both rural and urban areas is critical to global climate goals. “We must ensure that no country is left behind, especially the poorest, in building resilience and capacity for climate adaptation and mitigation.”
As countries continue to navigate the complexities of climate change, the sector-based green transition framework discussed at this event highlights the pressing need for international cooperation, innovation, and sustainable investments to ensure a just and equitable future for all.
