From November 14 to 18, 2022, the China-Italy Training Seminar on Carbon Neutrality and Green Development jointly organized by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and the Polytechnic University of Turin was successfully held in a virtual format. Xu Jie, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation of MOST, Zheng Xuan, Chargée d’affaires ad Interim of the Chinese Embassy in Italy, Shen Jianlei, Minister Counsellor of Science and Technology of the Chinese Embassy in Italy, Alessandra Guidi, Counsellor of Science and Technology of the Italian Embassy in China, and Guido Saracco, Rector of the Polytechnic University of Turin, attended the opening ceremony of the training seminar via video link.

　　In his speech, Deputy Director-General Xu Jie pointed out that China and Italy are important partners of cooperation in science, technology and innovation. Both countries attach high importance to carbon neutrality and green development, and share extensive cooperation needs in the R&D of green technologies and safe and efficient energy storage technologies, and the development of low-carbon and environment-friendly industries. Training cooperation between the two sides in the fields of energy, environment and sustainable development has lasted for 20 years. With carbon neutrality and green development as the theme of this year’s training seminar, it is hoped that the two sides can fully share their practical experience in this field, promote the exchanges and cooperation on projects, funds, platforms and personnel, and enable science, technology and innovation to play an even bigger role in tackling the common challenges for humanity.

　　Chargée d’affaires Zheng Xuan pointed out that climate change is a common challenge facing all mankind. The Chinese government has taken practical actions and contributed Chinese wisdom, strength and solutions to global climate governance. Carbon neutrality and green development cannot be achieved without mutual learning and win-win cooperation among various countries. It is hoped that this training seminar could help enhance mutual understanding, unleash the potential of cooperation, and deepen science, technology and innovation cooperation in this field to deliver greater benefits to the two peoples.

　　Counsellor Alessandra Guidi pointed out that China-Italy science and technology cooperation has a solid foundation, and future cooperation in the field of carbon neutrality is more important than ever before. Italy applauds China’s achievements in science, technology and innovation and stands ready to deepen cooperation with China in this field. Green energy is one of the priority areas in the just released Joint Call for China-Italy Intergovernmental Science and Technology Cooperation Projects.

　　Rector Guido Saracco introduced the Polytechnic University of Turin and the organization of the training seminar, and expressed his desire to deepen relevant cooperation in the future.

　　The opening ceremony of the training seminar was co-chaired by the head of the Division of European Affairs of the Department of International Cooperation of MOST and the representative of the Rector of the Polytechnic University of Turin for China affairs.

　　A total of 120 researchers and science and technology managerial personnel of 90 institutions from 26 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities of China participated in the 5-day online training.