The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has made notable strides in advancing ecological and environmental cooperation, with China playing a significant role in driving green initiatives, promoting sustainable development and strengthening regional partnerships, a senior official said on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference in Tianjin, Guo Fang, vice-minister of ecology and environment, said the SCO has fostered extensive cooperation in policy dialogue, technological exchange, information sharing and capacity building, injecting strong momentum into green development across the region.

At a time when the international landscape is marked by uncertainty and multilateral mechanisms are under strain, the SCO plays an important role in uniting and guiding the Global South, practicing multilateralism and promoting a fairer and more equitable global environmental governance system, Guo said.

She noted that China has been a driving force behind strengthening cooperation on green development and fostering harmony between humanity and nature.

Beijing has initiated and advanced a number of key SCO documents on climate change response, which have provided a solid policy foundation for regional sustainable development, Guo added.

China has also offered training opportunities for environmental managers and technical experts from SCO countries by hosting study sessions, seminars and on-site visits to help modernize regional environmental governance systems, she said.

At the SCO Forum on Green Development in July, China announced that it would establish an innovation base for environmental protection among SCO members to promote ecological and environmental cooperation.