The Dialogue is hosted by the ICTSD-Bridges Sarl
The 2009 Bridges-China Dialogue: China and Global Sustainable Recovery brings together a pro-active group of experts from government, business, academia and civil society organizations for an in-depth discussion and examination of China’s market dynamics and policy implications, with respect to recovering from the financial crisis and building a green, sustainable future. The Conference will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from October 26th to 27th, 2009.
Against the backdrop of the current recession, China’s economic and political landscape is of paramount importance in facilitating a speedy global recovery. Its economic, financial and currency policy adjustments are global focal points. Its role as a leading exporter and one of the largest and fastest growing consumer markets make it a key player in any global recovery.
The recent efforts at making a sound recovery from the current economic downturn coincide with a shift towards greater prioritization of sustainability. China, at the cross roads between the developing and the developed world, faces a huge challenge in maintaining its nearly double-digit growth while addressing daunting environmental challenges. In its 11th Five-Year plan, China has placed renewed emphasis on renewable energies as a viable option to meet and diversify its growing energy demands.
How will this precedent-setting move shape the future adoption and diffusion of renewable energies around the world, especially with respect to developing countries yet to experience the environment degradation linked with rapid industrialization? In what ways will the rise of China’s renewable energy industry affect world market dynamics? How can China leverage the crisis as an opportunity to transform its institutional and industrial structure in support of a cleaner, greener future? The 2009 Bridges China Dialogue is a forum for engagement with public and private sectors, bringing together leading individuals from around the world to discuss these issues and bring understanding and communication across geopolitical boundaries. It seeks to craft a common global future ensuring open and fair trade, low carbon societies and sustainable development.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Yutai Zhang, Minister and President of the Development Research Centre of the State Council (DRC), China. Mr Zhang will highlight lessons China has drawn from the global financial crisis, China’s policy response to the financial crisis and the challenges ahead, and China’s CNY4 trillion economic stimulus’ impacts on sustainability.
Ambassadors from China, the European Union and the United States will have an authoritative discussion on global institutional reforms one year after the outburst of the financial crisis. They will also speak to the role of China in future governance architecture, such as in the WTO and the G20 Summit.
From the Chinese government, Mr Yangzhe Li, Director General of the China National Energy Saving Office, will address a special session on China’s energy saving policy updates and opportunities for international cooperation.
From the private sector, a number of prominent industry leaders will be participating in this summit. Changjun Xie, President of China State Longyuan Power Corporation, the largest renewable energy investor in China, will give a business perspective on the policy needed to incentivize a green recovery. Xiucheng Wang, President of Yantai Economic Development Zone, one of China’s most successful industrial parks, will make an introduction to Yantai’s low-emission initiative and the opportunities it holds for international investors. Other companies include Credit Suisse, UBS, Deutsche Bank and Mercuria Energy Group etc.
For more information, please feel free to contact Ms. Lingxiao Gao at lgao [at] ictsd [dot] ch or call +41 22 917 8814