On November 21, the 2025 Global Panda Partners Conference opened in Chengdu under the theme "Working Together to Protect, Build, and Share". Lyu Yansong, Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Secretary of the Leading Party Members Group of Xinhua News Agency, Shi Xiaolin, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee and Governor of the People's Government of Sichuan Province, and Liu Guohong, Secretary of the Leading Party Members Group and Director of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (National Park Administration) attended the event and delivered speeches respectively.

During the opening ceremony, a think tank report titled "Joining Hands to Advance Toward an Eco-Friendly Modernization -- The Theoretical Contributions and Practical Leadership of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization to Global Sustainable Development" was released globally. This report was co-authored by the National High-Level Think Tank of Xinhua News Agency and the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization.

In his address, Lyu Yansong stated that China's successful efforts in giant panda conservation in the new era epitomizes the country's practices in ecological civilization. China will continue to pursue a model of sound development featuring improved production, higher living standards, and healthy ecosystems. Xinhua News Agency stands ready to work with all parties to provide in-depth interpretation of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, actively disseminate the concepts and achievements of global ecological conservation, and offer substantial media support for advancing green development and fostering harmony between humanity and nature.

In her address, Shi Xiaolin noted that the giant panda, China's national treasure, serves as both a symbol of ecological conservation and an envoy of peace and friendship. Thanks to concerted efforts from all stakeholders, the giant panda's threatened status has been downgraded from "endangered" to "vulnerable". As the homeland of giant pandas, Sichuan stands ready to join hands with all parties in protecting their habitats, building a beautiful world, and sharing open opportunities. The province will establish a new pattern for biodiversity conservation and deepen cooperation in ecology, culture, technology, industry, and other related fields. Through cultural exchanges and mutual learning, we can experience and share each civilization shining in its own beauty and all civilizations embracing harmony in diversity.

In his address, Liu Guohong stated that panda conservation efforts have achieved globally recognized successes. The establishment of the Giant Panda National Park and enactment of the National Park Law have enabled large-scale, systematic optimization of giant panda habitats. The captive giant panda population has reached 808 individuals, marking the essential achievement of sustainable population development. Moving forward, we will scientifically regulate spatial planning, continuously improve overall habitats, continue to advance ecological initiatives that benefit local communities, and extensively carry out international exchanges and cooperation. Together with global panda partners, we will jointly advance the cause of giant panda conservation to continue moving forward.

At the conference, Erastus Mwencha, former Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and Kees Van Oostrum, General Delegate of the World Olymp'Arts Council in the Netherlands, among others, delivered addresses. Relevant persons in charge of Xinhua News Agency and the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization interpreted the think tank report. Experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the person in charge of Belgium's Pairi Daiza delivered keynote speeches. The conference also featured promotions on "Splendid Sichuan: Land of Abundance" and the "2025 Panda Homeland Culture &Creativity Contest", the launch ceremony for the "Panda Gold Coins and Currency Culture" debut exhibition in Chengdu along with a cooperation signing ceremony, and the release of the 2025 Research Report on Cultural Tourism Integration Innovation Development and related publication projects.

Prior to the opening ceremony, Lyu Yansong, Shi Xiaolin, Liu Guohong, and other guests toured the panda-themed cultural creativity market and related exhibitions.

Liu Jian, Vice President of Xinhua News Agency, chaired the conference. Also present were provincial leaders Cao Lijun, Zheng Li, and Ren Jingdong; Wang Fengchao, Mayor of Chengdu Municipal People's Government; representatives of foreign diplomatic envoys to China and international organizations; leading officials from relevant national ministries and commissions; representatives from domestic and international zoos; delegates from related provinces, universities, cultural tourism institutions, and experts; as well as leading officials from relevant provincial departments and relevant cities (prefectures), among others.