The Peking University-Sciences Po Climate Week kicked off on Monday, aiming to enhance cooperation between Chinese and French higher education institutions and explore innovative pathways for training talent in carbon neutrality.

Piao Shilong, PKU's vice president and director of the Carbon Neutrality Institute, said the Climate Week is a commemoration of 60 years of friendship between China and France, while also reflecting the two countries' commitment to environmental initiatives.

He encouraged students and faculty to actively participate, exchanging ideas and contributing to Sino-French climate cooperation.

Jeremy Perelman, vice president of international affairs at Sciences Po Paris, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing climate change and acknowledged the dual master's program between the two institutions during the opening ceremony.

Nikhil Seth, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Director of the UN Institute for Training and Research, said Sino-French cooperation serves as a beacon for global climate action, reinforcing the role of youth in developing innovative solutions during Climate Week.

Xia Yingxian, director of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment's Department of Climate Change, highlighted the milestone significance of landmark 2015 Paris Agreement, emphasizing the new platforms created by PKU and Sciences Po to address climate challenges.

"I believe that the cooperation will contribute professional wisdom and the voices of youth to global efforts in addressing climate change," Xia said.

The week-long event will feature discussions on global climate governance, climate finance, sustainable consumption, and behavioral transformation, according to the organizers.