The ICLEI Secretary-General Gino Van Begin participated in Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2026, where local leaders and representatives from diverse sectors came together to explore new pathways for advancing ecological civilization.

 

The Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2026 took place from 4-6 July in Guiyang, the capital of Southwest China’s Guizhou province. Gino Van Begin, Secretary-General of ICLEI, participated in the 6 July Symposium as an advisory committee member, joining representatives from governments, international organizations, research institutions, and multiple sectors. Together, they discussed strategies for building ecological civilization, advancing green and low-carbon development, and fostering international cooperation for sustainable development.

During the meeting, participants delivered keynote speeches on topics such as global environmental governance, climate change adaptation, green and low-carbon transitions, and biodiversity conservation. They shared diverse perspectives and practical experiences and discussed how Guizhou is aligning its efforts with international frameworks—including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement. The role of green finance and carbon market mechanisms in supporting the development of green industries was also a key focus.

 

Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2026

 

Gino Van Begin highlighted during the symposium that international agreements—such as the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework—offer clear guidance, but their success relies on effective local implementation. He underlined the importance of integrating climate action, biodiversity conservation, and economic development, advocating for holistic solutions rather than isolated efforts. He also emphasized that nature-based solutions are key to creating synergies among climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and community well-being.

“The future of sustainable development will not be determined only by the agreements we negotiate. It will be determined by the actions we take in our provinces, cities, and communities.”

He pointed out that China’s four decades of urbanization offer valuable lessons for global sustainable urban development. Guizhou has developed an innovative model for integrating ecological protection with high-quality development  through initiatives such as ecological restoration, nature-based solutions, green finance, and ecological products value realization. ICLEI aims to leverage the forum to showcase Guizhou’s experiences internationally, promote the implementation of the Three “Rio Conventions”, and introduce innovative international resources to support local practices—facilitating the transformation of global consensus into effective local action.

 

Gino Van Begin, ICLEI Secretary General, delivered a speech at the 2026 Eco Forum Global Guiyang

 

Prior to the meeting, Guizhou Vice Governor Yang Tongguang welcomed Secretary-General Gino Van Begin and his delegation at the Guiyang International Ecological Conference Center. Both parties discussed strengthening international cooperation in ecological civilization, advancing green and low-carbon transformation, and expanding the global influence of the Eco Forum Global Guiyang. They reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging the forum, deepening practical collaboration, and fostering exchanges between Guizhou’s experiences and international best practices. Gino Van Begin commended Guizhou’s achievements in ecological protection and green development, and pledged that ICLEI would facilitate international experience sharing, support the translation of global consensus into local action, and invite Guizhou to participate in the 2027 ICLEI World Congress and related international events to further elevate Guizhou’s global profile in ecological civilization.

Yang Tongguang, Vice Governor of Guizhou Province, welcomed Gino Van Begin and his delegation

 

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Guiyang’s membership in the ICLEI network. Guiyang has been a key ICLEI partner in China and was the first Chinese city to join ICLEI’s global membership network. Over the years, the extensive collaboration in ecological civilization and sustainable urban development has led to significant progress in international exchange, green and low-carbon development, government green procurement, clean air initiatives, and the circular economy. This year’s meeting therefore carried particular significance for both Guiyang and ICLEI. 

On 4 July, Wang Hong, Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee and Mayor, met with Secretary-General Gino Van Begin and his delegation to explore opportunities for deepening cooperation. Mayor Wang Hong expressed gratitude to ICLEI for its enduring support of ecological civilization and international cooperation in Guiyang and Gui’an. He hoped that the tenth anniversary would serve as a new starting point for even closer collaboration and for transforming ecological strengths into drivers of green development. Secretary-General Gino Van Begin commended the cities of Guiyang and Gui’an for their achievements in ecological civilization and green, low-carbon development. He reaffirmed ICLEI’s commitment to supporting Guiyang in expanding international exchanges, sharing best practices worldwide, and advancing sustainable urban development together.

ICLEI presented Guiyang City with the ICLEI Membership 10th Anniversary Certificate

During the forum, the ICLEI delegation engaged actively with government departments, international organizations, experts, scholars, and partners. On 5 July, the East Asia Regional Executive Committee (RexCom) Annual Meeting was held in a hybrid format, bringing together senior officials and representatives from Seoul, Kyoto, Changchun, Gyeonggi Province, and New Taipei City both in person and online participation. The meeting reviewed the progress of ICLEI’s work program in the region, exchanged updates from member cities,and discussed regional priorities and strategic contributions to global climate action and sustainable urban development.

Following the meeting, participants joined a technical visit to several sustainability and ecological development projects in Guiyang, including Xiaolanshan Digital Cultural Industry Eco-Village, Duoge Xiaolanshan Boutique Homestay, and the Guancheng River ecological restoration project. The visit provided an opportunity for RexCom members to learn from Guiyang’s practical experiences in ecological conservation, urban regeneration, digital cultural industries, and sustainable tourism.

As a longstanding international partner of the Eco Forum Global Guiyang, ICLEI remains committed to supporting the forum’s continued international development and strengthening  global dialogue and partnership-building on ecological civilization and sustainable urban development. Leveraging its global network of local and regional governments, ICLEI will continue deepening collaboration with Guizhou Province, Guiyang City, and the forum, to promote international exchange, foster practical partnerships, and support cities in advancing climate action, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.