The International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) Special Conference will provide a platform for Asian countries to explore ways for more sustainable development in the region, said Shen Beili, an official with the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC), today in Beijing.

The 2013 ICAPP special conference, hosted by CPC, will convene on May 30-31 in Xi'an in northwestern China's Shaanxi Province, themed 'Promote Green Development and Build a Beautiful Asia.'

This year's conference will welcome attendees to discuss topics including "Asian countries' practice of green development" and "Asian Parties' cooperation in tackling the challenges of green development." It will also include a dialogue on 'Ecological Civilization.'

Asia, one of the most dynamic and promising regions in the world, has become a key engine in driving economic recovery amid the world crisis, contributing to over 50% of global growth. Nevertheless, the region faces the severe challenges of a worsening environment, ecological deterioration and an energy shortage, said Shen.

To cope with the abovementioned issues, the region needs to transform and upgrade its development model to further its economic development while at the same time maintain an ecological balance -- as to achieve green and sustainable development, she said.

China, the host country, also stressed the importance of ecological progress and advocated the creation of a "Beautiful China' mentioned in the country's overall development plan. During last year's CPC Party Congress, China, for the first time, put forward the concept of 'Beautiful China' in the keynote report issued at the congress, said Shen.

The ICAPP is a meeting forum of political parties from Asia-Oceania countries, initiated by Lakas-CMD of the Philippines in September 2000, where participants share their experiences and explore ways to further cooperation in Asia.

The ICAPP special conference tends to target more specific issues, including poverty relief in 2010 and sharing development in 2011.