The annual general meeting of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development began on Sept 7.

The theme of this year's meeting is "For Nature and Humanity: Building a Community of Life Together".

Three plenary sessions and seven forums will be held during the four-day event, including a forum with the theme "Ecological Civilization: Building a Harmonious and Beautiful World for All".

Ecological civilization is a concept promoted by President Xi Jinping for balanced and sustainable development that features the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.

Six hundred people from home and abroad are expected to participate in the event, with some joining via video links.

As a high-level dialogue and cooperation mechanism for China and the world, the council has become an important platform that gives the nation the ability to consider policy suggestions from the international community, Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu told the meeting's opening ceremony on Sept 7.

Huang is also the council's executive vice-chairman.

Aside from helping China learn about other nations' experiences in sustainable development, the platform also plays a role in introducing the philosophy and practices surrounding the country's environmental development to the world, he added.

"We hope the CCICED will continue to work as a bridge and platform that can promote sustainable development on a global scale and make even greater contributions to joint efforts in fostering a community of life for man and nature," he said.

Established in 1992, the council is a high-level international advisory body comprising officials and experts from China and abroad who provide policy advice to the Chinese government.

The council is now chaired by Vice-Premier Han Zheng.

Its general meeting is an important occasion at which members can finalize annual policy recommendations to the State Council and central government departments.