International Journalists Explore Sustainable Development in Dalian, Liaoning Province

Introduction to Dalian’s Role in Sustainable Development

A delegation of international journalists commenced a five-day tour of Liaoning Province, northeast China, starting in the port city of Dalian. This coastal metropolis exemplifies China’s commitment to high-quality development, global engagement, and innovation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Significance of the Dalian International Conference Center

• The delegation visited the Dalian International Conference Center, a landmark hosting the Annual Meeting of the New Champions (Summer Davos).
• Since 2013, Dalian has hosted this global forum five times, including in 2024, with plans for future events.
• The forum promotes innovation, dialogue, and collaboration among emerging economies and enterprises, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Dalian’s Strategic Importance and Sustainable Urban Development

1. Geographical and Economic Role: Strategically located between the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea, Dalian is a key sub-provincial city with robust infrastructure and economic foundations, contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
2. Advanced Manufacturing and Trade: The city serves as a hub for advanced manufacturing, international trade, and technological innovation, fostering sustainable industrialization.
3. Ecological Civilization: Dalian integrates modern urban design with green spaces and coastal preservation, aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Urban Sustainability and Innovation Initiatives

• Tree-lined boulevards and expansive public parks enhance urban livability and environmental quality.
• Development of tech zones and innovation clusters supports SDG 9 by fostering resilient infrastructure and innovation.
• Growth in maritime economy, software, and service outsourcing industries demonstrates economic diversification and sustainability.
• Eco-friendly urban planning positions Dalian as a model for smart, sustainable development nationally and internationally.

International Cooperation and Cultural Exchange under SCO Framework

The media tour is organized by the Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission (GNFCC) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), emphasizing SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17.

• The initiative aims to deepen international understanding and showcase Liaoning’s progress in sustainable development.
• It reflects President Xi Jinping’s 2013 vision for institutions promoting friendship and mutual understanding among SCO member states and observers.

Upcoming Engagements and Regional Impact

Following Dalian, the delegation will visit Shenyang, Liaoning’s provincial capital, to participate in two major SCO forums. These events will further highlight:

• Liaoning’s role in regional cooperation and economic integration (supporting SDG 8 and SDG 17).
• Cultural exchange and mutual understanding among nations (supporting SDG 4 – Quality Education and SDG 16).

Conclusion: Dalian as a Model for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth

In the face of global challenges, Dalian demonstrates that innovation, openness, and sustainable development can coexist. The city offers a vision of a future grounded in connectivity, shared prosperity, and enduring international friendship, embodying multiple Sustainable Development Goals and inspiring global cooperation.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Highlighted by Dalian’s role as a hub of advanced manufacturing, international trade, and technological innovation, promoting sustained economic growth and productive employment.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Emphasized through Dalian’s cutting-edge tech zones, innovation clusters, and robust infrastructure supporting industrial development and innovation.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Reflected in Dalian’s eco-friendly urban planning, green spaces, and preservation of natural charm alongside modern urban design.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Demonstrated by international cooperation through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) forums and the Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission (GNFCC) initiatives.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and decent job creation.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
3. SDG 11 Targets
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated planning and management.
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces.
4. SDG 17 Targets
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 8
   • Indicator 8.2.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person — implied by the city’s economic growth and productivity in manufacturing and trade.
   • Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment — implied through promotion of decent work in advanced industries.
2. For SDG 9
   • Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road — implied by robust infrastructure development.
   • Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP — implied by emphasis on innovation clusters and tech zones.
3. For SDG 11
   • Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate — implied by sustainable urban planning and green space preservation.
   • Indicator 11.7.1: Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use — implied by expansive public parks and green spaces.
4. For SDG 17
   • Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks — implied through SCO cooperation and international forums.
   • Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private partnerships — implied by partnerships fostered via GNFCC and SCO initiatives.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: tehrantimes.com