The third Soochow International Humanitarian Forum on November 18, 2023. Photo: Courtesy of Chinese Red Cross Foundation

China, in collaboration with humanitarian partners worldwide, has been actively undertaking humanitarian actions, making significant contributions to addressing the challenges posed by climate change, said experts attending a forum in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province over the weekend. 

From Saturday to Sunday, the third Soochow International Humanitarian Forum, themed "Climate Challenge and Humanitarian Action," was hosted by the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) and Soochow University and organized by the Chinese Red Cross Foundation and the International Academy of Red Cross. The forum consisted of two plenary sessions and three thematic panels, in which more than 200 humanitarian workers, experts and scholars from about 20 countries and regions shared their views. 

Chen Zhu, president of RCSC, in his keynote speech, said the conference is an important contribution to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the humanitarian field related to climate change.

As the unified Red Cross organization of the People's Republic of China and an important member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the RCSC attaches great importance to the development of its relations with international Red Cross organizations and national societies, and actively participates in affairs of the Movement, joining hands to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

China is an active participant in the global fight against climate change and a firm supporter of humanitarian relief. Alexander Matheou, regional director for Asia Pacific of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, stated that China can play a unique role in the face of the significant challenges posed by climate change due to its resilience and ability to bring about positive progress.

This year marks the 160th anniversary of the inception of the international Red Cross movement. Hugo Slim, senior research fellow at Las Casas Institute for Social Justice at University of Oxford, highlighted the intersection of China's core values of the international humanitarian principle.

Balthasar Staehelin, personal envoy of the president and head of the regional delegation for East Asia at the International Committee of the Red Cross, affirmed China's practices in climate change and humanitarian rescue efforts, emphasizing the innovative digital transformation supported by advanced technology.

In September 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Development Initiative (GDI) at the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Jean-Arnaud Etchanchu, cooperation coordinator of the regional delegation for East Asia at the International Committee of the Red Cross, stated that China's initiatives like GDI and its efforts to promote the Paris Agreement provide invaluable support to help the most vulnerable communities adapt to changing risks. This reflects China's enduring commitment to humanitarian response and sustainable development goals.