Opening Remarks by Ms Beate Trankmann at the Seminar on Sustainable Finance Promotes Inclusive and Green Structural Transformation and the Inauguration of UNDP China-Ocean and Island Climate and Sustainable Development Innovation Lab

May 26, 2025

Woman speaking at a podium with UN emblem, flanked by the Chinese flag and a world map backdrop. — UNDP Resident Representative in China, Beate Trankmann, delivered opening remarks at the Seminar on Sustainable Finance Promotes Inclusive and Green Structural Transformation and the Inauguration of UNDP China-Ocean and Island Climate and Sustainable Development Innovation Lab in Beijing, China.

UNDP

尊敬的叶厉豪副县长, Mr. Ye Lihao, Vice Governor of Baoting Li & Miao Autonomous County

尊敬的李抒音副主任, Ms. Li Shuying, DDG CICETE

尊敬的来宾、专家、女士们先生们: 早上好！欢迎大家来到联合国会议室. 也欢迎线上的朋友们！

我谨代表联合国开发计划署，诚挚欢迎大家参加今天的研讨会。

Good morning! On behalf of UNDP-China, it’s my privilege to welcome you to today’s Seminar.

As we gather here today, the climate emergency continues to accelerate around the world, impacting our economies, public health, livelihoods, and ecosystems. The urgency to act has never been greater.

But, in addressing this challenge, we also have an unprecedented opportunity: the chance to reimagine and reshape our economies to be greener, more inclusive, and more resilient, and to ensure a sustainable future.

In order to realize this vision, however, financing is paramount.

It is the bridge that connects ambition with action. It is the means by which we can enable the type of transformations and systemic changes needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the climate goals of the Paris Agreement.

Currently though, there is a global financing gap of over US$ 4 trillion annually to achieve the SDGs in developing countries and vulnerable regions.

In this regard, the Integrated National or Local Financing Frameworks (INFF/ILFF) offer a beacon of hope.

These are country-specific, planning and monitoring tools that help governments manage and align public and private financing with their national development priorities and the SDGs.

86 countries have already leveraged these frameworks and over 65 are advancing financial reforms through them, helping to drive inclusive green transformations worldwide.

"By investing in climate solutions today, we are not only safeguarding the planet for future generations but also creating new pathways for growth, innovation, and prosperity."

Here in China, we have witnessed important progress in sustainable finance.

From the rapid growth of the green bond market to the establishment of innovative financial frameworks, China has developed remarkable momentum in aligning financial flows with sustainable development priorities.

Moving forward, it will be critical to continue building on this work and ensure that these financial instruments reach the communities and ecosystems that need them most.

To that end, today’s seminar reflects our shared commitment to advancing these efforts.

Over the course of the day, we will explore how to formulate and adopt Integrated National and Local Financing Frameworks (INFF/ILFF).

We will also examine the experience and lessons of regions like Baoting County, which is pioneering innovative approaches to sustainable development financing.

In addition, we will officially launch the UNDP China Ocean and Island Climate and Sustainable Development Innovation Lab.

This lab will serve as a platform for innovation, research, and collaboration, bringing together stakeholders from across sectors to address the unique challenges faced by ocean and island ecosystems threatened by climate change.

And, I would like to thank the Baoting County Government for partnering with UNDP on this exciting initiative.

By investing in climate solutions today, we are not only safeguarding the planet for future generations but also creating new pathways for growth, innovation, and prosperity.

让我们同心协力，化宏图为实践，变愿景为现实。

我期待在今天的讨论中听到各位的真知灼见，并感谢大家为此付出的努力。

Let us work together to turn ambition into action and vision into reality. I look forward to the insights and ideas that will emerge from today’s discussions and thank each of you for your dedication to this vital cause.

谢谢大家，祝本次研讨会卓有成效、充满启迪！

Thank you, and I wish you all a productive and inspiring seminar.