Building a Shared Future through Scientific Collaboration：ANSO-Supported International Conference on Climate Change and Environmental Pollution Held in Kandy

ANSO Secretariat

03 04, 2025

On March 24-25, 2025, the International Conference on Climate Change and Environmental Pollution: Challenges and Solutions for Food Security and Public Health, supported by the CAS-ANSO Conference Program 2024, was held in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Co-organized by the University of Peradeniya (an ANSO member) and the China-Sri Lanka Joint Research and Demonstration Center for Water Technology (JRDC), the Conference gathered over 150 participants from China, Sri Lanka, Germany, Australia and other countries, including international researchers, university professors, government decision-makers, industry leaders, and representatives from international organization.

The Conference was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Zhenhong Qi, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, Mr. Ranjith Ariyarathne, Secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing Ministry, Sri Lanka, Prof. Saman Senaweera, Chairman of the National Science Foundation (Sri Lanka) and Dr. Shizhuan Zhang, Deputy Executive Director, ANSO Secretariat.

There were enlightening presentations and in-depth discussions on the thematic topics, including the impacts of climate change on sustainable development of Sri Lanka and the world, safe drinking water, sustainable water resource management, food safety & security, climate-resilient agriculture, environment pollution control, and so on and so forth. Key-note speeches were given by Prof. Jiuhui Qu, Research Center of Eco- & Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science, Prof. Yuanxun Zhang, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. Chun-tat Chan, Department of Environmental Protection, Hong Kong (China), Prof. Sampath Tennakoon, University of Peradeniya, Prof. Yutao Wang, Fudan University, Dr. Peter Holzapfel, Technische Universität Berlin, Prof. Luke Knibbs, University of Sydney, etc.

The Conference marked the 10th anniversary of China-Sri Lanka Water Science and Technology Cooperation. At the Conference, representatives from JRDC reviewed the accomplishments of this lasting bilateral collaboration over the past decade and discussed directions and work plans for the next decade.

The gathering was featured by a technology exhibition where 25 enterprises showcased their innovative solutions to the challenges discussed.