Member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have recognized that adverse effects of climate change exacerbate every day and achieving the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement is of decisive importance. They have joined hands to tackle climate change.

The SCO states account for almost half of the world population. In the interests of these peoples and the entire global community, they have reaffirmed their shared determination to promote cooperation in tackling challenges stemming from climate change.

They have also stated that the Paris Agreement must be fulfilled based on the principle of shared but differentiated responsibility, and that countries have the right to independently set their national goals and determine how these goals will be achieved.

As a founding member, China has always taken the SCO as a diplomatic priority. China is ready to work with other member states to actively implement initiatives including the Global Development Initiative, Mao Ning, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said on Friday.

The Global Development Initiative was proposed by China at the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly in 2021, aiming to build a global community of development with a shared future. China has called on all countries to advance cooperation on global issues like climate change.

The 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO will be held on July 4, 2023.

Data editor: Sun Yiwen

Graphics designer: Mukesh Mohanan