The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change unfolded in Dubai from November 30 to December 13, 2023. Representatives from nearly 200 countries engaged in robust negotiations on various aspects of climate change. In its capacity as an observer organization at COP, iCET hosted a series of events during this conference.
Event 1: The Role of Digitalization in Accelerating Decarbonization and Achieving Climate Goals in China and Globally
On November 30, 2023, iCET, in collaboration with Tencent, organized the theme event at the COP28 titled “The Role of Digitalization in Accelerating Decarbonization and Achieving Climate Goals in China and Globally.” The event aimed to exchange ideas and practical experiences on how digital technology drives low-carbon transformation, fostering a more sustainable future through the synergistic development of digitization and decarbonization. The event was hosted by Wang Weikang, a senior expert at Tencent’s Carbon Neutrality Lab. Speakers included iCET’s Executive Director, Dr. Feng An, Angela Wilkinson, Secretary-General of the World Energy Council, Tencent’s Vice President of Sustainable Social Value, Xu Hao, and Shi Hao Zijdemans from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Event 2: Opportunities for California-China Greater Bay Area Climate Collaboration
On December 4, iCET successfully hosted the side event at COP28 titled “Climate Cooperation Opportunities in the Greater Bay Area.” The event aimed to share the current status and future directions of carbon emission reduction in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and California, USA. It explored opportunities for collaboration between the two regions, promoting mutual learning and complementarity. The event was moderated by Dai Fan, Executive Director of the California-China Climate Institute. Featured guests included David Hochschild, Chair of the California Energy Commission, Huang Chuanhui, Commissioner for Climate Change, Environment and Ecology of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, and Dr. Feng An, Executive Director of iCET.
Event 3: Promoting Global Clean Energy Transformation and Cooperation
On the afternoon of December 4, iCET, in collaboration with the China Clean Transportation Partnership (CCTP), Nenglian, Longi Green Energy, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, held the side event at the Solar+ Pavilion in the COP28 Blue Zone, titled “Promoting Global Clean Energy Transformation and Cooperation.” Mr. Huo Yan, General Manager of Longi Green Energy, delivered the opening speech, and Dr. Feng An, Executive Director of iCET, moderated the event. The discussion involved participants from various organizations, exploring ways to accelerate the global community’s transition to clean energy and promote global cooperation in carbon reduction efforts.
Event 4: China-US Climate Cooperation Opportunities – Energy Efficiency Collaboration
On December 5, iCET successfully hosted the side event at COP28 titled “China-US Climate Cooperation Opportunities – Energy Efficiency Collaboration.” The event shared typical cases of energy and climate cooperation between China and the United States, discussing the respective advantages and progress in energy conservation and emission reduction. The activity was moderated by Dr. Feng An, Executive Director of iCET. Featured speakers included Dr. Zhou Nan, Senior Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Joanna Lewis, Associate Professor of Science, Technology, and International Affairs at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, and Hu Min, Director and Co-founder of the Institute for Green Development (iGDP).
Event 5: Sharing China’s Electric Vehicle Experience and Promoting International Cooperation
On December 6, 2023, iCET successfully organized the side event at COP28 titled “Sharing China’s Electric Vehicle Experience and Promoting International Cooperation.” The event aimed to accelerate China’s transportation decarbonization through strategic partnerships and share valuable experiences in the field of clean transportation with the international community, fostering global cooperation and exchange. Speakers included Gong Huiming, Committee Member of the CCTP Guidance Committee and Senior Project Manager at the Energy Foundation, Dr. Feng An, Executive Director of iCET, and Yao Junye, Executive Director of the Sinopec Policy Research Institute. The event was hosted by Wang Wenwen, Project Manager of iCET’s Clean Transportation Program.
