2015 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (2015MIECF) will be held from 26 to28 March in Macao. The Green Forum this year will include six sessions and one seminar. One of the keynote speaker is Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, Former Prime Minister of Norway, Special Envoy on Climate Change of the United Nations and Former Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), and generally recognised as the “Mother” of sustainable development. In her keynote speech at the Opening Ceremony, scheduled in the morning of 26 March, Dr Brundtland will give her valuable insights on how to face and resolve issues relating to climate change and energy, to ensure global sustainable development. According to Dr Brundtland, 2015 is a crucial year for global foresight and collaboration, putting to the test our ability in tackling the real dangers of climate change, and to agree on the goal of sustainable development. She emphasized that these are our common responsibilities for the safety and well being of our present and future generations. Dr Brundtland points out that energy is crucial to development, and that sustainable use of energy is vital to the sustainable development of a region. Dr Brundtland believes that in face of the pressing challenges, explicit policies are needed, taking Macao as an example, efforts should be made to achieve the goal of building a green and low-carbon city. Furthermore, she will also explore the development model of the Pan-Pearl River region and its impact. While stressing on economic development, it is necessary to change the production patterns, reducing the use of coal and its replacement by renewable energies. This is not just an issue on how to face climate change, but above all to reduce harm to the public health. Therefore, people all over the world are not only making efforts to protect the environment, but to put forward the sustainable development process. There will also be a Special Interview Session with Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, in the afternoon of 27 March, to enable participants to know more about Dr Brundtland´s views on sustainable development and environmental protection. Dr Brundtland will talk on strategies for environment and air pollution and share her valuable insights and experience on her efforts on environmental movement, green economy, climate change, and sustainable tourism worldwide. The Interview Session will be moderated by Professor Zhao Wei, Rector of the University of Macao. There will be a Q&A session, during which participants may be able to interact with the world´s top environmental expert.
