The Global Alliance of Universities on Climate convened a high-level event at the China Pavilion at COP31 on Monday, bringing together representatives of governments, international organizations, universities, businesses and youth groups from China, Italy, Australia and other countries.
Participants exchanged views on global climate governance, the energy transition, university collaboration and youth climate action, with a focus on turning climate commitments into tangible results, according to a media release from the alliance.
The gathering was the first side event held following the opening of the China Pavilion. Among the participants were Li Gao, China's vice-minister of ecology and environment; Francesco Corvaro, Italy's special envoy for climate change; Francesco La Camera, director-general of the International Renewable Energy Agency; representatives of the COP31 Presidency and the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; and a former US special envoy for climate change.
The program included remarks by senior officials and experts, a review of GAUC's flagship "Climate x" campaign and its achievements over the past year, and a cross-regional and intergenerational dialogue. The event highlighted the role of universities and young people in advancing global climate action.
Professor Li Zheng moderated the opening session. He reviewed GAUC's progress since its establishment in 2019 in interdisciplinary research, education and training, international cooperation and youth climate action.
He said universities should strengthen their role as a bridge between scientific research and policymaking and support young people in turning climate ambition into action with real-world impact.
In his remarks, Li Gao stressed the need to uphold multilateralism and safeguard the goals and principles of the Paris Agreement. He called on the international community to turn climate commitments into concrete action.
Li also highlighted China's progress in developing renewable energy, advancing its green and low-carbon transition and promoting international cooperation. He encouraged young people to participate more actively in global climate governance and apply their knowledge and experience to advancing sustainable development.
Francesco La Camera said that despite significant progress in renewable energy development worldwide, faster deployment of clean energy technologies and better integration across energy systems were still needed.
He also highlighted the important role universities play in technological innovation, skills development and international cooperation. He called for stronger education and training for the energy transition, as well as more opportunities for young people, particularly those from developing countries, to participate.
