Du Qinglin, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference,delivers keynote speech.[Photo to Chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2015 Eco-Forum Global Annual Conference, the nation's only international conference approved by the State Council that addresses issues concerning ecological development, held its opening ceremony today in Guiyang, capital of Guizhou province.

Dignitaries at the event include Du Qinglin, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Bertie Ahern, former Irish Prime Minister, and Bruno Oberle, Swiss State Secretary, director of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment.

More than 1,000 people are attending the forum, including over 30 ministerial officials, 70-80 officials from relevant UN agencies, plus entrepreneurs and experts from home and abroad. It is noteworthy that among all the guests at the conference, one third are from outside China. That helps enhance the event's international profile and makes sure that a diversity of voices will be heard.

The conference aims to serve as an essential platform to strengthen global cooperation in all possible areas regarding building a more eco-friendly environment. It demonstrates China's determination and efforts to tackle climate change and other pressing environmental hazards.

"Put simply, China's position and strategic thinking in huge development issues such as sustainable development, environmental protection and climate change really matters. As the most populated country in the world, it is crucial and important that China is a leader in nurturing the environment and protecting it for future generations", said former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern in his keynote speech at the ceremony.

The theme for this year's conference is "Embracing a new era of eco-civilization: New agenda, new normal, new actions." A variety of events will be held until Sunday, including three summits, 39 events and 32 seminars covering a wide array of topics, including green development, climate change, Chinese culture and eco-civilization.

Guiyang, a city that boasts active ecological practices and a cool climate, has held the annual conference since 2013.