UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Image source: Official WeChat account of the British Embassy in China
On January 29, Chairman & Director Tonny Xie of BCAA was invited to participate in the “Welcome Reception for the UK Government High-Level Delegation Visit”, part of the series of events during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s delegation visit to China.
At the welcome reception, Chairman & Director Tonny Xie introduced to Prime Minister Starmer on the BCAA’s key progress in advancing China-UK green and climate cooperation as an Official Nominator for The Earthshot Prize, launched by Prince William. BCAA has successfully nominated China’s sole award winner to date (GRST) and a finalist project (ATRenew), receiving high recognition from the Prize Committee and was invited to feature in a dedicated column on The Earthshot Prize official website.
In discussions with Brendan Nelson, Group Chairman of HSBC Holdings plc, Director Xie introduced the progress and outcomes of the “ Bluetech Carbon Neutrality Energy Storage Technology Application Acceleration Program,” jointly organized by the BCAA and HSBC China for two consecutive years. He also expressed gratitude for HSBC China’s active efforts in promoting and exploring innovative climate solutions and accelerating the development of emerging climate technologies in China. Furthermore, Director Xie exchanged views with other delegation representatives present, including Richard Oldfield, CEO of Schroders, and Greg Jackson, Founder of Octopus Energy.
The scene of the welcome reception
Picture of the reception during Mr. Peter Kyle’s sharing (UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade)
On February 3, Chairman & Director Xie was invited by the British Embassy in Beijing to attend and give a presentation at the 2024–2025 Cohort Chevening Graduation Ceremony, held at the Residence of the British Ambassador in China. As an “old Chevening Alumni” from the 08/09 academic year, Director Xie shared his experience of studying at the University of Cambridge, UK, with the support of the Chevening Scholarship, and his work over the past decade since returning to China. He recounted his journey as the founder of a non-profit organization, evolving from focusing on air pollution policy impact to establishing a climate innovation technology acceleration platform. With Chevening’s slogan being “Aim High, Strive, and Lead”, Director Xie encouraged the new graduates to contribute to China-UK friendly cooperation and exchanges while creating positive social impact in their respective careers and professional development paths. Relevant officials from the British Embassy in China, as well as representatives from China-UK business circles and other distinguished individuals, attended the event.
Chairman & Director Tonny Xie and British Ambassador to China, Peter Wilson
Building bridges for China-UK green technology cooperation has always been one of the key works for the BCAA. Deeply engaged in the fields of clean air and carbon neutrality, BCAA has established the Bluetech Carbon Neutrality Technology Platform, which integrates technology incubation, IP empowerment, industry matchmaking, and international cooperation. It brings together global innovative forces to promote China green technology achievements on the world stage. Moving forward, BCAA will continue to deepen exchanges and collaboration between China and the UK in the green and low-carbon sector, leveraging the platform to connect with more global resources and accelerate the innovation and implementation of carbon neutrality technologies.
Further Reading
Further Reading I: The Earthshot Prize
Launched in October 2020 by Prince William and The Royal Foundation, The Earthshot Prize officially began its global search for environmental solutions in 2021. It is a prestigious global environmental award, often hailed as the “Oscars for the Environment.” The Prize aims to inspire action and change, bringing people together over the next decade to repair our planet. Each year, five winners are selected from 15 global finalists, one for each category, with each receiving £1 million. Click the link for more information.
https://earthshotprize.org/the-prize/
Further Reading II: Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s flagship global talent program. Its core mission is to select outstanding professionals with leadership potential and at a career development stage from around the world for postgraduate study in the UK. It aims to build an elite network of “Friends of the UK” across politics, business, academia, media and other fields globally, fostering long-term bilateral and multilateral cooperation. It is established and operated by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Click the link for more information.
