Shandong University (SDU) co-hosted the opening ceremony of the Climate Change Adaptation and Marine Environmental Protection in Island Regions Seminar, which kicked off in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Sept 11.

Organized by China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the program brings together participants from 13 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Cape Verde, Cambodia, the Maldives, Samoa, Vanuatu and Nauru.

Focusing on the needs of island countries, the program features 17 themed courses, complemented by field visits and cultural activities. It aims to strengthen participants' ability to adapt to climate change and teach them about marine environmental protection.

Li Shengying, vice-president of SDU's Qingdao campus, noted that the program provides an opportunity for mutual learning and multilateral dialogue. He said that SDU is committed to building international platforms for knowledge sharing and cooperation, and that the program will contribute to a stronger global capacity to address climate change.

China has continued to support developing countries in responding to climate change through South-South cooperation. This training program is a part of those efforts.

The Qingdao program combines the city's strengths in marine science with international training and exchange. Thus, opportunities are provided for participants to exchange experience and deepen cooperation on climate-related and marine environmental issues.