The 2024 Global Ocean Development Forum, co-hosted by the Shandong Provincial People's Government and the Ministry of Natural Resources, officially commenced in the Qingdao West Coast New Area on October 24.
Participants from both domestic and international backgrounds convened under the theme "Charting Our Futures — Fostering Blue Partnerships for Sustainable Growth." The forum aimed to strengthen collaboration on ocean initiatives and enhance marine development.
Wang Yong, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech.
In his address, Wang highlighted China’s proactive role in global ocean governance over recent years, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to unlocking the ocean economy's potential, enhancing marine ecological protection, and collaborating with other countries to ensure maritime peace and stability.
Wang noted the shift in the ocean industry towards deeper waters and the evolution from light blue to deep blue as advancements in science and technology progress. He reaffirmed the Chinese government’s dedication to fostering a "community of shared future" for the oceans while strengthening international partnerships to develop the ocean economy and establish a stable maritime order. Continuous efforts will be directed towards promoting marine ecological protection, fostering cultural exchanges, and cultivating harmonious coexistence between humanity and the ocean.
Lin Wu, the Party Secretary of Shandong, echoed these sentiments in his speech, emphasizing the province's focus on the high-quality development of the ocean economy and its ambition to establish a modern marine economic hub. He expressed Shandong’s readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to advance ocean economic cooperation and develop a modern marine industry framework, while also enhancing ecological protection and exploring green marine development pathways.
Wang Guanghua, Minister of Natural Resources, stated that China aims to be a maritime power, prioritizing high-quality and sustainable marine economic development while promoting open collaboration to transition into a leading maritime nation. He encouraged all nations to leverage the forum as a platform for strengthening policy alignment and integrating interests, fostering green cooperation, and promoting synergy between humanity and nature. He advocated for innovation-driven development and the widespread application of blue technologies to enhance ocean well-being.
Ahmed Nazim, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of the Maldives, expressed his enthusiasm for the blue economy, highlighting its critical importance for island nations. "For the Maldives, the blue economy is not merely a policy objective but essential for our survival. Let’s collaborate to ensure a thriving ocean," he stated.
Vladimir Ryabinin, former Executive Secretary at the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, emphasized the importance of marine science, noting Qingdao's significant role in this field. He articulated that the future of marine science and ocean management is interconnected, representing a pivotal aspect of maritime development. "The Ocean Decade Cooperation Center in Qingdao holds great potential for impactful contributions," he added.
During the opening ceremony, the 2024 China Ocean Development Index Report and the Qingdao Initiative were unveiled. Additionally, thirty major marine project agreements were signed on-site, amounting to a total investment of 65.6 billion yuan (approximately $9.21 billion).
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