Legislators forum in Shanghai focuses on global partnership for sustainable development

Shanghai hosted the 2024 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges, a gathering that brought together over 40 incumbent and former legislators from across the five continents. The forum, which commenced on Tuesday morning, is centered around the theme "Revitalizing the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development" and is being spearheaded by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).

In his inaugural address at the opening ceremony, Yang Wanming, the president of CPAFFC, outlined the forum's objectives, emphasizing the creation of an institutionalized exchange platform for legislators who hold a supportive stance towards China. The annual event, initiated last year, aims to bolster friendly exchanges among the parliaments of all participating nations by leveraging the diverse resources and perspectives of legislators from the various countries. The overarching goal is to foster mutual development among the participating nations.

"The theme of this forum resonates with the shared concerns of the global community," said Wang Dongming, the vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, in his speech during the opening ceremony. Expressing hope for enhanced collaboration, Wang highlighted the forum's role in facilitating the sharing of experiences, solidifying consensus, and building bridges to strengthen friendly exchanges between countries. The event is also envisioned as a platform for deepening practical cooperation, promoting sustainable development, and collectively striving towards a brighter future.

Ahead of the main forum discussions, the participating legislators embarked on a two-day exploration of Shanghai, immersing themselves in the city's rich cultural and economic landscape. Their itinerary included visits to notable sites such as the manufacturing factory of SAIC's new energy vehicles in the Lin-gang Special Area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the Chongming Dongtan Nature Reserve, the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee Meeting Hall, the historic Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China and its accompanying Memorial Hall, the Shanghai Pudong Reform and Opening Theme Exhibition, a tour of the iconic Shanghai Tower (the world's second-tallest building), and a scenic cruise along the Huangpu River.

Following the grand opening ceremony, the forum transitioned into eight parallel subforums, each focusing on critical global issues. These subforums will delve into topics such as; global development and economic recovery, global security, inclusiveness and mutual learning of civilizations, global partnership for sustainable development, social justice, the rule of law, climate change and environmental protection and poverty eradication. Additionally, a special dialogue with European legislators will underscore the importance of fostering friendships across continents and promoting international cooperation for a sustainable future.