President Sun Ruizhe's speech at 2021 International Think Tank Forum on Silk Sustainable Development

President of China National Textile and Apparel Council

President of International Textile Manufacturers Federation

Dear Mr. Zhang Guoqiang, Chairman of International Silk Union, Prof. Chen Wenxing, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, ISU Vice Chairman Mr. Xavier LEPINGLE, Mr. Stefano Vitali, Ms. Renata Amano, Mr. Zhao Feng, Mr. Chen Xiangping, Mr. Rajit Ranjan Okhandiar, Secretary General of International Sericultural Commission, Mr. Guido Tettamanti, Secretary-general of Ufficio Italiano Seta, Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to have the opportunity to discuss with you on silk sustainable development. On behalf of China National Textile & Apparel Council, I would like to extend congratulations to the successful convening of the Forum and sincere thanks to all friends for your attention and support to the development of silk industry all the time. 

Global climate change is affecting human society in a speed and a scale we have never seen before. It changes the ecology of industries and the landscape of economy and trade.Sustainability and carbon neutrality have become a general consensus and focus of coopetition of global industries.

Silk industry, connected with primary, secondary and tertiary industries, bearing the pursuit of human beings for better life, is a pioneering industry in globalization and symbolization. It is the industrial responsibility and of special  significance to promote green innovation, green manufacturing, green consumption and recycling economy so as to achieve carbon neutrality as soon as possible.

Sustainability is certainly the right direction. We need to do the right thing and do it in a right way. Currently, there are some inappropriate international evaluation and practice on industry sustainable development. In particular, some one-sided information on the environmental impact of silk industry have misled both silk producers and consumers, and impeded the sound development of the industry.

The main purpose of the Forum is to seek for a scientific  solution to achieve carbon neutrality, and an objective  methodology to evaluate the life cycle of silk products to protect the image as well as interests of global silk industry.

Carbon peak and carbon neutrality are not only China’s own need to secure sustainable and high-quality development, but also a right choice for building a community with a shared future for mankind. Last year, China announced to strive to peak carbon dioxide emission by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Such commitment means that China will accomplish the maximum carbon emission reduction in a much shorter time span than what might take many developed countries and that reflects the resolution and decisiveness of China.

China’s silk industry will also join the action with global partners and make contribution to the silk sustainable  development. I’d like to put forward three suggestions to all the colleagues and friends in the world silk industry.

First, we need to set goals by seeking truth from facts. To achieve carbon neutrality, we must respect objective laws, make plans in line with industry realities and take action step  by step.

Second, we need to tackle the most pressing issues first to enhance overall capability. We will build a green, low-carbon and recycling silk industry system to foster the green transformation of the entire value chain from raw materials, designing, production to recycling.

Third, we need to work globally to meet challenges. We will increase exchanges, strengthen promotion,reach consensus and carry out project cooperation to seek a convergence of  interests in realizing the carbon neutrality of global silk industry.

Dear friends,

Nothing is impossible when we pool all our efforts. Let us join our hands and work together for a better future.

Finally, I wish the Forum a great success. Thank you!