The International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) Special Conference convened in Xi'an today. Concerted efforts are urged across Asia in a bid to shift its trend of high pollution and high energy consumption to one of green development prioritizing ecological preservation and energy-saving.

The International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) Special Conference convened in Xi'an on May 30, 2013. [Photo: Guo Xiaohong / China.org.cn]

"Green economy is very crucial in reducing poverty,reinforcing economic dynamism and coping with the rapid urbanization and industrialization," said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his video speech for the conference. "We should join hands to protect the environment and build a beautiful Asia for generations to come," said Ban.

In his address to the conference's opening ceremony, China's Vice President Li Yuanchao called for Asia's concerted efforts in resolving the major difficulties Asia faces today in its attempts to create a sustainable development. He said Asia has already paid a high (ecological) price during its pursuit of modernization.

"Our beautiful homeland is inflicted by various malaises in the wake of industrialization and modernization," said Li. "Asia should shift from the growth model based on high pollution, high energy consumption and high emission, to one of green development with priorities on ecological preservation and energy-saving."

According to a research report on water security released by the Asian Development Bank this March, 80 percent of Asian countries and regions are suffering from water shortage.

Li Yuanchao also urged Asian countries not to copy the consumption path of Western developed countries, given the total population of 4.2 billion in Asia -- more than half of the world's total.

China's 18th CPC Party Congress put ecological progress high on the agenda in order to build a beautiful China, said Li. Asian political parties should play a unique role in promoting green development and building a beautiful Asia.

Also present at the opening ceremony were Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Vice President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith, Co-Chairman of ICAPP and speaker for the Philippine House of Representatives Jose de Venecia and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An.

Participants in the two-day conference will share their knowledge and understanding of green development and push for strengthened cooperation between Asian countries and regions.

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.