The seventh Kubuqi International Desert Forum opened in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region on July 27.

Vice-Premier Sun Chunlan, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, read a congratulatory letter from President Xi Jinping and delivered a speech.

“In his congratulatory letter, President Xi Jinping explained the significance of desertification control to the sustainable development of mankind and proposed to strengthen international cooperation in preventing and controlling desertification, which gives us more confidence and motivation to build consensus, deepen exchanges, and create a harmonious and beautiful world.” Sun said.

She added that after long-term and persistent efforts, China has made achievements in desertification control and created miracles of turning deserts into oases, realizing the goal of no growth in land degradation by 2030 ahead of schedule.

“China will uphold the concept of clear waters and green mountains are mountains of gold and silver to strengthen the construction of ecological civilization,” Sun said

“We will implement the most stringent protection system, strengthen scientific and technological support for the prevention and control of desertification and get the whole society involved to form a virtuous circle between ecological protection and people’s livelihood and to unify ecological, economic and social benefits.”

Desertification control requires joint efforts from the international community, and China will adhere to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, strengthen international exchanges and cooperation in ecological civilization, Sun said.

China will also exchange ideas and experience in desertification control, make joint efforts with the world in scientific research and promote exchange of visits, boosting global desert governance along with the world, Sun said.