The Second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange, held in Chengdu, Sichuan province, served as a pivotal platform for senior officials from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to reaffirm their collective commitment to innovation-driven development. This approach was underscored as the essential pathway to effectively address pressing global challenges. Concurrently, the Second Belt and Road Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation brought together science and technology ministers from 41 BRI nations for extensive discussions.

During these meetings, participants delved into exploring new potentials and paradigms for technological cooperation, with the overarching goal of establishing a robust science, technology, and innovation (STI) community along the BRI. Chinese Science and Technology Minister Yin Hejun, who hosted the ministerial meeting, emphasized China's unwavering dedication to fostering an open, fair, just, and non-discriminatory international environment for scientific and technological advancement. This commitment is strategically aimed at collaboratively tackling critical global issues, including climate change, food security, and energy security.

Minister Yin highlighted China's significant contributions to international STI cooperation within the BRI framework. He noted that China has successfully signed bilateral government-to-government agreements on scientific and technological cooperation with over 80 BRI countries. Furthermore, China has established more than 70 BRI joint laboratories and 10 international technology transfer centers, underscoring a tangible expansion of collaborative infrastructure. Beyond these initiatives, China has been actively engaged in facilitating scientific and cultural exchanges, fostering collaborations in science parks, and organizing specialized cooperation in key technological domains. These areas include sustainable development, space information, poverty alleviation, as well as innovation and entrepreneurship, all of which have significantly bolstered the continuous infusion of innovative drive into the high-quality advancement of the BRI.

A core principle articulated by Minister Yin is China's adherence to an international scientific and technological cooperation concept founded on openness, inclusiveness, mutual benefit, and sharing. This philosophy underpins the country's dedication to building a thriving STI community with other BRI countries, ensuring that technology and innovation serve as powerful enablers for the social and economic development of all involved nations.

The consensus forged at the meeting culminated in the introduction of the 'Chengdu Declaration on Jointly Building the Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Community'. This declaration unequivocally states, “We recognize that in the face of global challenges such as climate change, public health, environmental protection, energy security, food security, and poverty, the only way forward is for countries to work together.” It further articulates a shared willingness among member countries to strengthen STI policy communication, share development experiences and best practices based on diverse national needs and experiences in driving sustainable socioeconomic development through innovation. This includes a commitment to jointly implement the Belt and Road Special Cooperation Program for Sustainable Development Technology.

Crucially, the declaration also pledges support for research institutions, universities, companies, and think tanks from various countries to establish cooperation networks and mechanisms. These networks aim for a deep integration of industry, academia, and research, fostering strengthened joint research and development, and facilitating technology diffusion in important scientific and technological fields. Such collaborative efforts are designed to collectively address global challenges through STI and advance the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, solidifying the long-term vision of a united front against complex global issues.