The 2024 Two Lakes Dialogue, bridging continents and symbolically bringing together two iconic lakes – the East Lake in central China and Lake Geneva in western Europe – kicked off in Wuhan on Thursday. The three-day event focuses on green development and sustainable cooperation. Xia Ruixue reports.

East Lake, one of the biggest lakes in China, encapsulates the unique natural charm of central China, while Lake Geneva embodies the romance of France and the beauty of Switzerland.

On Thursday, the 2024 Two Lakes Dialogue kicked off by the East Lake in Wuhan, central China's Hubei province. The theme is 'Jointly Promoting Green Low-Carbon Development, Building a Clean and Beautiful World.'

DOMINIC WAUGHRAY, Executive Vice President, World Business Council for Sustainable Development "Trade is built on meeting and trusting people having the dialogue and making deals. That's what the Two Lakes dialogue is all about."

XIA XUEYING, Vice President, Schneider Electric "The three-day event is a great opportunity for business leaders at home and abroad, together with policy makers, to discuss future green development."

The three-day event will feature several meetings and forums, focusing on new energy vehicles, clean energy, and sustainable agriculture. Additionally, there will be discussions on carbon markets, carbon finance, carbon reduction and related issues.

Nearly 500 guests from around the world, including top leaders from international organizations, diplomats, multinational executives, and prominent experts, will attend.

PETER BAKKER, President and CEO, World Business Council for Sustainable Development "I think the work that's happening now in China, the speed at which renewable energy is being deployed, the speed at which renewable vehicles are being developed and put on the streets is a real example for rest of the world. I'm hoping that by bringing international business leaders here, they will see these innovations. They will be able to add solutions to those innovations so that we can accelerate that faster."

TOM REICHERT, CEO, ERM Group "My expectation is to learn and share, to learn about all the amazing things that are happening here."

Participants are also invited to visit the local Dongfeng Motor Corporation and Wuhan Carbon Emission Rights Registration and Clearing Co., Ltd. This is to observe Hubei's progression in the new energy vehicle industry and carbon market development, and promote collaboration on environmental responsibility.

XIA RUIXUE, Wuhan, Hubei province "The Two Lakes Dialogue is more than just an exchange of insights and views on green development. Participants said that it's also a step towards stronger cooperation and sustainable growth. Xia Ruixue, CGTN, Wuhan, Hubei Province."