1. INTRODUCTION      

Venue: BEIJING & GUIZHOU PROVINCE9 CHINA

5TH -25TH NOV 2025

PARTICIPANTS:Mr. Mudathir Ahmed Abdulkarim Ms. Munira Salim Ramadhan Ms. Nihad Ahmed Abdallah Bakhshuwein

We are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Seminar on Capacity Enhancement for Global Climate Governance and Climate Diplomacy for Developing Countries. Hosted with exceptional warmth and hospitality by the Ministry of Commerce of the People s Republic of China, in collaboration with the esteemed professors, volunteers, and faculty of the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), this seminar was a beacon of international collaboration. It brought together a vibrant cohort of professionals, policymakers, diplomats, and researchers from the Global South, fostering an environment of mutual learning and empowerment.

The program was meticulously designed to build capacity, enhance technical competencies, and refine diplomatic negotiation skills amid the escalating global climate crisis. In 2025, as the world grapples with the aftermath of the Paris Agreement s 10th anniversary and the outcomes of COP30 in Brazil, the urgency of climate action has never been more apparent.

The State of Climate Action 2025 report under scores the need for a comprehensive roadmap to close the global gap in climate efforts, highlighting that emissions must be reduced by 35-55% by 2035 to align with the Paris Agreement s 2°C pathway. This seminar addressed these imperatives head-on, emphasizing human-centered approaches that prioritize the vulnerabilities of communities in developing nation, especially those disproportionately affected by rising sea levels, extreme weather, and food insecurity.

The event commenced with an inspiring opening address by Mr. Mudathir Abdulkarim, who articulated the critical need for empowering developing countries to amplify their voices in international arena and also the need of putting a global united front with a unified objective in combating and mitigating the detrimental effects of climate change.

It culminated in a poignant recitation of a poem by Munira Ramadhan, evoking themes of unity, resilience, and our collective stewardship of the planet. This poetic closure served as a reminder that climate governance is not merely a technical endeavor but a deeply human one, rooted in empathy, shared experiences, and hope for future generations.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Ministry of Commerce for their visionary sponsorship and the impeccable organization of the UIBE faculty, professors, and volunteers whose dedication created an inclusive and supportive atmosphere. Their efforts exemplified the spirit of South-South cooperation, bridging continents to tackle one ofhumanity's greatest challenges.

2. INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION

These minar's strength lay in its diverse assembly of 26 participants from across the Global South, creating a tapestry of perspectives that enriched every discussion. Represented nations included Fiji, Azerbaijan, South Africa, The Gambia, Suriname, South Sudan, Ethiopia (with AfricanUnion representation), and Kenya. This mosaic of backgrounds, from island nations facing existential threats from sea-level rise to landlocked countries battling desertification, fostered cross- cultural dialogue and highlighted the interconnectedness of our climate fates.

In an era where climate impacts know no borders, such diversity is invaluable. Participants shared firsthand accounts of national challenges: Fijian delegates spoke of coral reef degradation affecting coastal communities' livelihoods, while South African representatives discussed water scarcity's toll on agriculture and threatening food security. These exchanges not only built empathy but also forged professional networks essential for ongoing collaboration. As players in African climate policy, we witnessed how these intense interactions strengthened South-South solidarity, enabling us to collectively advocate for climate justice in global arenas like the UNFCCC.

3. OBJECTIVES OF THE SEMINAR

The seminar’s objectives were strategically aligned with the pressing needs of developing countries in the global climate landscape. They included:

Deepening comprehension of climate governance frameworks, such as the UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, and COP processes, with a focus on equitable participation.

Bolstering negotiation and diplomacy skills to empower representatives from the Global South in multilateral talks.

Examining China s exemplary model of green development, climate innovation, and digital transformation as a blueprint for adaptation.

Encouraging collaborative, problem-solving methodologies among developing nations to address shared vulnerabilities.

Equipping participants with practical, actionable strategies tailored to their home contexts, emphasizing community-level implementation.

These goals were pursued through a human-centered lens, recognizing that effective climate action must uplift marginalized population especially women, indigenous groups, and rural communities who bear the brunt of environmental degradation.

4. SEMINAR CONTENT AND LEARNING AREAS

The curriculum was robust, blending theoretical insights with practical applications, delivered by world-class experts from UIBE and beyond.We appreciated the depth of analysis, which integrated cutting-edge research and real-world case studies

4.1 GLOBAL CLIMATE GOVERNANCE

Sessions delved into the evolution of global climate policy, from the Kyoto Protocol to the Paris Agreement s nationally determined contributions (NDCs). We explored mechanisms for transparency, such as enhanced reporting under Article 13 of the Paris Agreement, and the contentious debates on climate finance, where developed nations' pledges often fall short of the US\$100 billion annual target. A key focus was the historical responsibility principle, advocating for climate justice to rectify the disproportionate emissions from industrialized countries. In light of the Emissions Gap Report 2025, which calls for urgent 2035 reductions, we discussed how developing nations can leverage these frameworks to secure adaptation funding for robust industrialization and socio-economic safeguards for vulnerable populations.

4.2 CLIMATE DIPLOMACY

Interactive workshops honed skills in multilateral negotiations, including coalition-building within groups like the G77+China and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). Techniques for articulating national priorities, such as Kenya s focus on drought-resilient agriculture, while fostering consensus were practiced through role- playing exercises. Conflict resolution strategies emphasized on empathy and cultural sensitivity which are crucial for bridging divides in high-stakes forums like COP negotiations.

4.3 CLIMATE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION APPROACHES AND ADAPTATION APPROACHES

Discussions covered renewable energy transitions, with emphasis on solar, hydro, and wind technologies scalable for developing contexts. Nature-based solutions, like mangrove restoration in coastal areas, were highlighted for their dual benefits in carbon sequestration and community protection. Urban resilience strategies addressed the needs of growing megacities, promoting climate-resilient infrastructure that safeguards low-income residents from floods and heatwaves.

4.4 CHINAgS CLIMATE INNOVATION AND GREEN GROWTH MODEL

China s commitment to peaking emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 served as a compelling case study. Participants learned about pathways including decarbonizing electricity, electrification of transport, and negative emissions technologies. Large-scale initiatives, such as adding 4,500 GW of wind and solar capacity by 2060, demonstrate how strategic investments can drive green growth. Urban digitization, leveraging AI for environmental monitoring, and green transportation advancements were showcased as models for emulation in the Global South.

5. FIELD TRIPS AND STUDY VISITS

The seminar,s experiential learning component was transformative, blending cultural immersion with technological insights to illustrate climate governance in action.

5.1 CULTURAL & HISTORICAL VISITS

These excursions provided profound context for China's resilience and environmental ethos:

1. Great Wall of China:A symbol of enduring human perseverance, reminding us of the long-term commitment required for climate action.

2. Forbidden City: Insights into ancient governance systems, paralleling modernmultilateral climate frameworks

3. Summer Palace: Exemplifying harmonious environmental design, inspiring sustainable urban planning.

4. Huajiang Bridge, Guizhou Province:Showcasing infrastructure innovation in challenging terrains, adaptable for climate-resilient development.

5. Huangguoshu Scenic Area, Guizhou Province: Highlighting ecosystem fragility, underscoring the human imperative to protect natural wonders for future generations

5.2 TECHNOLOGY9 CLIMATE INNOVATION & GOVERNANCE VISITS

1. ZhongAn Technology Centre:Demonstrated AI and big data in managing environmental risks, enhancing community safety.

2. Guizhou Big Data Industry Centre:As China's first big data pilot zone, it leverages cool climates for energy-efficient data centers, supporting environmental monitoring and smart governance.

3. Guizhou Meteorological Technology Ltd.: Innovations in climate modeling and disaster warnings, vital for protecting vulnerable populations.

4. Chaoyang District Government Service Center: A model of digital efficiency, promoting transparent, people-centered public services.

5. NIO Electric Vehicle Company:In 2025, NIO achieved record deliveries of over 40,000 vehicles in October alone, advancing battery-swapping and clean mobility ecosystems.This visit illustrated electrification's role in reducing urban emissions and improving air quality for millions.

6. THE IMPORTANCE OF SUCH SEMINARS IN FOSTERINGAFRICA-DEVELOPING COUNTRIES-CHINA

COLLABORATION

Seminars like these are pivotal in advancing South-South cooperation, a cornerstone of equitable climate diplomacy that emphasizes solidarity among developing nations to address shared global challenges. Rooted in the principles of the 1978 Buenos Aires Plan ofAction (BAPA), South-South cooperation promotes mutual benefit, self- reliance, and collective progress, enabling countries in the Global South to leverage their unique experiences and resources without relying solely on traditional North- South aid models. In the context of climate governance, this framework is particularly vital, as it facilitates knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and capacity-building among Africa, other developing regions, and China, empowering nations to tackle issues like resource scarcity, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss in a collaborative manner.

For Africa, where climate impacts exacerbate poverty, inequality, and food insecurity affecting over 1.2 billion people, these platforms amplify voices in global negotiations, such as those under the UNFCCC and COP processes. China s role as a bridge in this cooperation is exemplary, fostering inclusive growth that aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union s Agenda 2063. Through initiatives like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China has committed to practical measures, including the Partnership Action for Green Development announced at the 2025 FOCAC Beijing Summit, which involves launching 30 clean energy and green infrastructure projects across Africa to support sustainable modernization.

Prof. Wang Bo

Dean of the School of International Development and Cooperation (UIBE)

By the end of October 2025, China had signed 55 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on South-South cooperation for climate change with 43 developing countries, building on earlier efforts that included 54 documents with 42 nations. These agreements have enabled the hosting of over 300 capacity-building workshops by the end of 2024, training thousands of officials and experts from the Global South in areas like renewable energy, climate adaptation, and green finance. At COP30 Belém, Brazil, in November 2025, South- South and triangular cooperation were prominently highlighted, with China pledging continued support through dedicated climate funds, Brazil emphasizing forest conservation, and calls for stronger collaboration to accelerate climate action while addressing trade barriers imposed by developed nations.

Such seminars promote technology transfer, exemplified by China's sharing of renewable energy expertise such as solar and wind technologies with African nations, helping to build resilient infrastructure and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. They also encourage joint problem-solving, where participants from diverse regions co-develop strategies for community-centered adaptation, like drought resistant agriculture in arid zones or coastal protection in island states. This human centered approach ensures that climate actions prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations, including women and indigenous communities, fostering social equity alongside environmental sustainability.

Moreover, these collaborations drive innovation and economic opportunities, as seen in China's Initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernization in Africa, which integrates climate-resilient development into broader modernization efforts. By celebrating events like the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation on September 12, 2025, the global community reaffirms the value of solidarity and innovation among developing countries, paving the way for a more just and sustainable future. In essence, seminars of this nature not only enhance individual capacities but also strengthen the collective resolve of the Global South to lead in global climate governance, ensuring that no nation is left behind in the transition to a low-carbon world.

7. KEY LESSONS LEARNED

Strategic alliances, such as those within the G77, are indispensable for influencing global outcomes and securing climate finance.

Technological innovation, including digital tools for monitoring, accelerates mitigation and adaptation, benefiting grassroots communities.

Strengthening domestic climate systems is crucial for evidence based policy, ensuring human centered responses.

China's long-term planning, with investments estimated at US\$14-17 trillion for net-zero by 2060, proves that ambitious green transitions are feasible.

Effective diplomacy demands a blend of cultural awareness, technical prowess, and empathy to advocate for the most vulnerable.

8. PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

This seminar transcended academia, becoming a profound human journey for us all. Interacting with peers from diverse nations revealed our shared humanity amid climate adversity. Stories of displaced families in Suriname or drought-affected farmers in Ethiopia mirrored Kenya's struggles. The cultural visits evoked awe at China's heritage, while technological sites inspired optimism about innovation's potential to uplift lives. Standing atop the Great Wall, we reflected on collective resilience; gazing at Huangguoshu's waterfalls, we pondered nature's delicate balance. These experiences reaffirmed our commitment to community empowerment in Kenya, where climate action must prioritize people over policies.

"Team Kenya's performance at the seminar was truly outstanding, their active participation, insightful contributions to discussions and eagerness to collaborate not only showcased their expertise but also added immense value to the entire event. They represented their team with great professionalism, and it was inspiring to see their dedication shine through."

Prof. Liu Bing

Foreign Aid Project Manager,

School of International Development & Cooperation(UIBE)

"Between ancient traditions and futuristic skylines, China showed me thatthe world is vast, connected, and full of lessons waiting to be lived, not just learned."

Ms.Munira Ramadhan

"China has captivated me with its seamless fusion of history, rich culture, and modern development. Clearly, China is on the right track in mitigating global climate change through its ideologies, policies, actions, and great leadership".

Ms. Nihad Ahmed Bakhshuwein

China and its great people have shown the world that through hard work, dedication,commitment and unity of purpose, there is no challenge that cannot be surmounted. People-centric leadership is essential in any successful endeavor against socio-economic challenges.

Mr. Mudathir AbduIkarim

9. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are immensely thankful to the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China for their generous hosting and unwavering support. Special appreciation goes to the professors, volunteers, and faculties in UIBE, whose expertise and kindness made this seminar unforgettable.Especially Prof. Wang Bo the Dean of the School of International Development and cooperation, the Associate Dean Prof. Zhang Jinglei and Prof, Liu Bing the foreign Aid Project Manager. Their hospitality not only facilitated learning but also built lasting bonds of friendship and collaboration.

We also want to express our immense appreciation to our Kenyan organizing team, led by our beloved Mama Salma Noor. Your exemplary leadership, exceptional empathy, and unwavering support guided us through every step with grace and strength, thank you for being our rock a stellar example to be emulated. A further big, warm thanks as well to Dr. Mirfat, Dr. Khadija, Mr. Kuti and Mr. Amour, for your outstanding facilitation and for making everything run so smoothly. You all embodied teamwork at its finest.

10. CONCLUSION

This seminar has profoundly enhanced our expertise in global climate governance, equipping us to advance sustainable initiatives in Kenya in the broader African context. By applying these insights, from diplomatic strategies to innovative technologies we aim to foster resilient communities and contribute to regional partnerships. In a world facing unprecedented climate challenges, such collaborative efforts between China and developing countries are essential for a just and equitable transition to a low- carbon future. We look forward to sustaining these networks and driving meaningful change.

供稿：Mudathir Ahmed Abdulkarim

摄影：Mudathir Ahmed Abdulkarim

审核：刘兵

排版：胡力丹