The 2025 Opening Ceremony of the International Seminar on Climate Change Adaptation Capacity Building and Marine Environmental Protection began on Sept 1 at the Ocean University of China (OUC) in Qingdao, Shandong province.

The event gathered participants from 14 countries and regions, including South Africa, Thailand, and Indonesia, to strengthen capabilities in marine protection and climate resilience.

Co-organized by the OUC and Shandong University, the seminar includes 18 themed courses, field visits, and cultural activities, offering a platform for shared learning and multilateral dialogue.

Wang Xuepeng, vice-president of OUC, stated that the university will further utilize its disciplinary strengths and resource advantages, focusing on capacity building for climate change adaptation and marine environmental protection. The institution will support climate change response capabilities and contribute more to the development of a maritime community with a shared future.

Li Shengying, vice-president of Shandong University's Qingdao campus, expressed that this international seminar is an active exploration of the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity. He believes that through bilateral learning and multilateral dialogue, the comprehensive capacity of all parties to address climate change can be further strengthened, gathering more consensus and wisdom to make significant contributions to achieving global carbon neutrality goals and building a better future for humanity.

Ding Anhui, deputy director of Qingdao's foreign affairs office, encouraged attendees to gain knowledge while experiencing Chinese culture and Qingdao's glamor.

The 2025 Opening Ceremony of the International Seminar on Climate Change Adaptation Capacity Building and Marine Environmental Protection opens at OUC in Qingdao on Sept 1. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]