In a significant step towards strengthening international climate cooperation, Yantai City of China’s Shandong Province and the Maldivian Ministry of Tourism and Environment co-hosted the “Meeting on the International Zero-Carbon Island and Green Low-Carbon Development” in Malé on May 12. The event brought together government officials, business leaders, and academics from both countries to explore joint solutions for climate resilience and sustainable island development.
The conference was attended by key dignitaries including Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives H.E. Kong Xianhua, Minister-Counsellor He Fen, Counsellor Zhang Xu, Maldivian Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim, State Ministers Mohamed Faiz and Ibrahim Mimrah, and Mayor of Yantai City Zheng Deyan. Around 80 participants joined the event, including representatives from Maldivian universities, business associations, and private enterprises.
Ambassador Kong highlighted China’s pivotal role as a key partner to the Maldives in addressing climate change. He expressed optimism that both countries will continue to deepen their cooperation under the International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative, aiming to build green, safe, and sustainable islands together.
Mayor Zheng Deyan introduced Yantai City’s leadership in developing zero-carbon islands, citing its active contributions to COP29 and the launch of the International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative with 32 global co-initiators. He invited Maldivian institutions, universities, and enterprises to join the newly proposed International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Organization—an international platform aimed at supporting islands in climate adaptation, sustainable development, and knowledge sharing.
Minister Thoriq underscored the Maldives’ commitment to low-carbon development and welcomed the opportunity to work closely with Yantai City on technology transfer, research collaboration, capacity building, and eco-tourism initiatives.
Chinese companies such as Dongfang Electronics, Tayho New Materials, and LONGi Green Energy showcased green energy solutions designed for island states. Notably, Dongfang Electric and the Maldives Electricity and Water Authority (STELCO) signed an agreement to launch a “Smart Integrated Energy Management Joint Laboratory” focused on training skilled local professionals in energy systems. In addition, Trip.com Group signed an eco-tourism cooperation agreement with its Maldivian counterparts, reinforcing the event’s commitment to sustainable travel.
As Yantai positions itself as a global leader in zero-carbon island development, its invitation to the Maldives marks a new chapter in bilateral cooperation focused on climate action, innovation, and sustainable prosperity.