The 2026 Forum on Blue Carbon and Sustainable Development (BCSD2026), recently held in Qingdao, is expected to deepen practical international cooperation in the blue carbon field and contribute to global sustainable development.

Hosted by the Ocean University of China (OUC), the forum brought together about 130 experts, scholars, and students from more than 10 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, South Korea, Indonesia, and Singapore.

Attendees discussed three key topics: blue carbon and climate change, ocean governance under carbon neutrality, and marine sustainable development linked with blue finance. Justin Ahanhanzo, a retired IOC-UNESCO International Programme Specialist, praised China's achievements in sustainable development and highlighted the value of university-driven cooperation. He noted that local partnerships through higher education can advance regional sustainability goals effectively.

Yang Haiyong, deputy director of the financial office of Shandong, emphasized that blue carbon is a critical factor for achieving carbon neutrality. With its rich marine resources, Shandong is aiming to integrate blue and green finance, turning marine assets into economic drivers.

Lu Guangzhi, deputy Party secretary of OUC, reaffirmed the university's commitment to advancing the national carbon strategy through marine science and education. He called for deeper international collaboration in blue carbon research.

Experts from around the world gather in Qingdao to discuss blue carbon and sustainable development. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]