KazNU scientists participate in an International Forum on Sustainable Environmental Development in Urumqi

From October 17th to 19th, 2023, the city of Urumqi, China hosted the International Forum on Sustainable Environmental Development in the Economic Belt of the Silk Road. This event brought together more than 300 participants from 21 countries. Over 18 experts, including Chinese scholars and representatives from foreign universities, including the Academy of Sciences, were invited to the forum. The event placed special emphasis on the preservation of ecosystems, biodiversity, the development of eco-culture in participating countries, the establishment of research and preservation platforms focused on biodiversity and ecosystems, and the promotion of green economies along the Silk Road. The forum was structured into six sections, each covering various themes.

The forum was jointly organized by the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with the Association of Science and Technology of the autonomous region. The forum aimed to consolidate the fruitful achievements made by China and countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt over the past decade, focusing on scientific and technical cooperation in the fields of ecology, resources, and the environment since the inception of the "Belt and Road" initiative, and to create fresh momentum for future continuous development.

The main forum featured presentations from eight academicians and experts, including representatives from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, leaders, and delegates from government agencies, who shared the latest advancements in biodiversity conservation, green agriculture, food security, the sustainable use of water resources, and ecological restoration and management.

A parallel sub-forum session invited renowned experts from various fields to discuss topics such as "Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in Arid Regions," "Green Agriculture and Food Security," "The State and Sustainable Use of Water Resources," "Combating Land Degradation and Desertification in China and Central Asia," "Technology and the Application of Environmental Monitoring," and "The Status Quo and Sustainable Development of Pasturelands in Arid Regions." These sessions featured lively discussions among participants.

The forum also included an exhibition showcasing achievements in scientific and technical cooperation related to the "Belt and Road" initiative, highlighting China's significant role and influence in the fields of resources and the environment within the Silk Road Economic Belt.

The forum culminated in the signing of a declaration, encompassing nine core tasks that encompassed collaborative efforts in environmental protection, biodiversity preservation, the assessment, monitoring, and development of mechanisms for water and land resource management, the training of highly skilled specialists in various fields, and the annual hosting of this forum by participating countries.

As part of the forum, representatives from the university met with the organizers, the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, to explore further cooperation in the joint training of specialists and collaborative research efforts.

During the forum, a meeting took place between Zh.N. Aitzhanova, a Member of the Board and Vice-Rector for Scientific and Innovative Work, and representatives from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the CAS, including the Deputy Director, Professor Jilili Abuduwaili, and Professor Li Yaoming. They discussed matters related to joint scientific projects and the establishment of a joint laboratory.