The International Conference on Pacific Ocean Science and Technology Cooperation and Future Sustainable Development was held in Shenzhen on September 22-23, organized by the Southern University of Science and Technology’s (SUSTech) Advanced Institute for Ocean Research (AIOR)/Shenzhen Ocean University Preparatory Office and the Pacific-China Friendship Association (PCFA).

Distinguished guests included the Princess Royal, Her Royal Highness, Princess Salōte Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita, Permanent Patron and Board Chairperson of PCFA; Professor Wensheng YAO, University Council Vice-Chairperson of SUSTech, Director of the Institute for Integrity at SUSTech; Professor Jian LIN, Member of the European Academy of Sciences, Director of SUSTech’s AIOR, and Head of the Shenzhen Ocean University Preparatory Office, as well as representatives from the Shenzhen Ocean Development Bureau and Dapeng New District. The conference brought together nearly 200 representatives from government agencies, international organizations, universities, and research institutions across 15 Pacific countries and regions. Participants exchanged perspectives on ocean science and technology, global ocean governance, the blue economy, and pathways toward sustainable development, with a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation between China and Pacific Island countries.

Her Royal Highness Princess Salōte Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita delivers remarks at the conference

University Council Vice-Chairperson, Professor Wensheng YAO, delivers remarks

In the presence of both Chinese and international guests, three major cooperative platforms were officially inaugurated: the China-Tonga and Pacific Island Countries for Sustainable Development Belt and Road Joint Laboratory, the China-Tonga Deep-Sea Research Center, and the China Representative Office (Shenzhen) Pacific-China Friendship Association (PCFA). At the same time, SUSTech’s AIOR/Shenzhen Ocean University Preparatory Office signed a cooperation agreement with Tonga National University, creating a solid foundation for future joint scientific research, talent exchanges, and industry-academia-research projects.

China Representative Office (Shenzhen) Pacific-China Friendship Association

The China-Tonga and Pacific Island Countries for Sustainable Development Belt and Road Joint Laboratory

China-Tonga Deep-Sea Research Center

The conference released a call for action, focusing on building a broad consensus around ocean technology innovation, educational exchange, international cooperation, and sustainable development. The event featured five major thematic areas: science and educational innovation, blue industries, resources and the environment, disaster prevention and mitigation, and global ocean governance. It also held a China-Pacific Island Countries Sustainable Development Roundtable Forum, providing a platform for deeper dialogue among government, academia, and industry to fully exchange ideas and build cooperative consensus. At the closing ceremony, SUSTech’s AIOR/Shenzhen Ocean University Preparatory Office-Pacific Cooperation Program was officially launched, shifting cooperation in ocean research, talent training, and disaster prevention from consensus to practical action.

Roundtable Forum

Professor Jian Lin delivers concluding remarks at the conference

The two-day meeting, the inauguration of joint research platforms, the exchange of scientific and technological expertise, and the launch of dedicated cooperation initiatives marked significant steps toward deeper China-Pacific collaboration. This aims to promote deeper connectivity in areas such as marine research, talent development, blue industries, and disaster prevention, jointly advancing sustainable ocean development.