#China #Beijing #CEOs #Sustainable Markets Initiative

Historic Forum on Sustainable Transition in Beijing

From July 15 to 17, 2025, a significant event will unfold in Beijing: the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) China Forum. This groundbreaking forum aims to accelerate the global transition towards sustainability by gathering CEOs from major global corporations alongside Chinese business leaders and government officials.

This moment marks the first assembly of international and Chinese business leaders under the SMI framework within China, focused on collaborative efforts to address pressing sustainability challenges. This unique opportunity fosters direct dialogue and collective action geared towards sustainable solutions, highlighting both innovation and investment in an era where the call for climate action is more urgent than ever.

Organized in collaboration with the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC), the SMI China Forum stands out for its recognition of China’s pivotal role in the world economy, particularly in the realms of climate change and biodiversity. Acknowledging the interconnected nature of global supply chains, this forum serves as a critical platform to advance sustainable innovation and foster international cooperation.

The forum coincides with the 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), which will emphasize China's commitment to clean energy leadership. In a recent climate address, President Xi Jinping highlighted China’s achievements in renewable energy, noting it as the largest and fastest-growing segment worldwide. The nation now leads in solar, wind, and hydropower production, and it remains the top investor in clean technologies, surpassing the combined investments of the next ten nations.

Launched in 2020 by King Charles III, the Sustainable Markets Initiative stands as the largest private sector entity focused on sustainable transition, aiming to align global leaders and business executives with sustainable development at the core of value creation. The initiative's goal is to mobilize trillions of dollars necessary to secure a sustainable future, hence establishing a new era of prosperity for generations to come.

In October 2021, President Xi extended an invitation to King Charles III to address the COP 15 UN Biodiversity Conference virtually in Kunming, which subsequently led to the establishment of the SMI China Council. The CCOIC officially became the host of this council in August 2022 during a ceremony that King Charles also attended remotely.

Through the SMI China Council, innovative approaches adopted by business executives throughout China have gained traction, leading to remarkable advancements. Today, China is not just the world leader in solar, wind, and electric vehicle capacities, but it also demonstrates the economic viability of sustainable transitions by achieving rapid results.

The forum will feature panel discussions on crucial topics including sustainable supply chains, emissions reduction, electrification, artificial intelligence, and the future of aerospace and space exploration. As Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, remarks, "The inaugural SMI China Forum creates a new bridge between Chinese and international business leaders. Winning collaborations across borders, industries, supply chains, and financing will hasten the global shift towards a sustainable future, making sustainability the growth narrative of this era."

Reflecting on cultural wisdom, King Charles once stated, "The Chinese culture has long recognized that our relationship with nature is vital for our health and the health of the environment surrounding us. By protecting our lands and oceans, we ultimately protect ourselves."

In conclusion, Xi Jinping emphasized during his April 2025 climate speech that, "Clear waters and green mountains are just as valuable as gold and silver. The green transformation is not only essential for combating climate change but also serves as a new driver of economic and social development." The SMI China Forum exemplifies a pivotal moment in the global pursuit of sustainability, aligning business interests with environmental stewardship for the common good.