Enhanced global cooperation to address the challenges from climate change and technological advancements is urgently needed, said officials and experts, adding that green transformation and digital innovation are key to driving sustainable development.

Fazeel Najeeb, ambassador of Maldives to China, said the world is grappling with an unprecedented climate crisis — rising temperatures, melting glaciers and biodiversity loss. It is also navigating the complexities of rapid technological transformation.

"We must recognize, as we do, the incredible synergy between digital innovation and sustainable development. Digital innovation is about inclusivity. More than 3 billion people worldwide still lack internet access. Expanding connectivity through technologies like low-earth orbit satellites or community-based internet solutions can unlock economic opportunities for underserved regions. It can also democratize access to climate education, enabling more people to contribute to sustainability efforts."

The remarks were made at the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organization's Digital Technology Empowering Green Development International High-Level Talent Development Program that will conclude on Saturday.

Abolfazl Olamaei Far, deputy head of mission at the embassy of Iran in China, said digital technology and green development are inevitable necessities during the modernization process and essential paths to achieving global sustainable development.

"This means that we have no choice but to look for collective cooperation in order to promote digital technology and green modernization. We could deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in green infrastructure, green energy, green industry, green trade, green finance and other fields. The SCO is one of the best platforms for achieving this highly valuable objective. We could align our development strategies, share digital technology development experiences, and together accelerate the comprehensive green transformation of our economies," he said.

Accelerated global action is needed to meet climate goals as the world is currently off track in achieving the goal set at the 2023 COP28 climate conference, which is to triple the installed capacity of renewable energy by 2030, in order to cut emissions and keep the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 C within reach, according to estimates from the International Renewable Energy Agency.

To advance global cooperation, Mu Ying, an official at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, called for accelerated efforts of sharing practical experience in digital technology for green and low-carbon development. Mu also advocated deepening exchanges and cooperation in green technology, equipment and standards to contribute more to global sustainable development.