As a key partner, ICLEI was invited to the Eco-Forum Global Annual Conference 2017 in Guiyang and co-hosted a seminar on green public procurement. Gino van Begin, Secretary General of ICLEI, led his team from the ICLEI East Asia Secretariat to participate in the Forum on 17-18 June.

On the morning of 17 June, Liu Wen-xin, the mayor of Guiyang, accompanied by Xu Qin, Vice Mayor of Guiyang, and Liu Benli, Secretary-general of Guiyang, warmly welcomed the ICLEI delegation during an official meeting.

As the host city of EFG and the first Chines Member of ICLEI, Guiyang has made many efforts on green development, eco-civilization, and environmental protection. Through prioritizing big data technologies and transforming traditional industries, the city is proud to have achieved economic growth without conceding the environment.

“It is Guiyang’s honor to have joined ICLEI as its first Chinese Member,” Mayor Liu said, “and the city is ready to push forward eco-civilization and urban sustainable development through knowledge exchange and cooperation with cities worldwide via ICLEI’s global network.”

“Guiyang has demonstrated determination in pursuing sustainable development,” Gino van Begin, representing ICLEI, appreciated Guiyang’s effort and engagement in the global city network. He further encouraged Guiyang to share its experiences and achievements in the field of eco-civilization and sustainability with other cities through ICLEI and invited the city to participate in ICLEI’s upcoming events, including the UNFCCC COP23 (November in Bonn, Germany), the Mayor’s Forum on Climate Change (October in Seoul, Korea), and the EcoMobility World Festival (October in Kaohsiung).

In response, Mayor Liu appreciated ICLEI’s invitation and revealed the city’s recognition of the relevance of low-carbon development and a high interest in participating in the events.