CHENGDU -- During his 35 years at Beijing Zoo, Zhang Chenglin viewed giant pandas primarily as animals needing his services as a vet. However, his perspective changed on Tuesday at the Global Panda Partners 2024 (GPP) conference, when he realized the extent to which pandas have become both cultural icons and symbols of biodiversity.

"The giant pandas have been serving as a bond that links all humanity in the world for cultural exchanges and dialogue," said Zhang, who has now retired from his post as deputy director of the zoo.

The GPP, an academic, open and international platform for dialogue and exchange aimed at building consensus and jointly planning the construction of global ecological civilization, opened on Tuesday in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province.

Themed "Harmonious Coexistence Between Man and Nature," the conference brings together government agencies, professionals and the general public as panda partners, drawing more than 380 attendees from more than 30 countries and regions.

Participants from various sectors discussed topics such as ecological civilization, panda culture and international cultural tourism, jointly exploring a scientific path that prioritizes ecology and pursues green development.

The opening ceremony featured the release of a think-tank report on ecological civilization construction co-authored by a national high-level think tank affiliated with Xinhua, China's state news agency, and another research institution.

The event is hosted by Xinhua News Agency Sichuan Branch, Xinhua News Agency News and Information Center, China Wildlife Conservation Association and Chengdu Media Group.

Former UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova said that Chinese leadership has stressed the relationship between people and nature and has called for efforts to create a community of life for man and nature.

"This echoed profoundly with the concept of sustainable development embodied in the UN Agenda 2030, in whose implementation China is emerging as a leader," she said.

"Creating harmony between humans and nature is an ongoing journey, requiring collaborative efforts from individuals, communities, industries and governments," she added.

In a video speech at the opening ceremony, Shahbaz Khan, director and representative to the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, said the giant panda is an enduring symbol of balance and resilience, which reminds people of the delicate relationship between humanity and nature.

"The panda reminds us of the need for balance, not only in nature but also in the ways we engage with one another and our planet," Khan said, looking forward to continuing UNESCO's collaboration with China and other partners.

"Together, we can advance our shared vision of harmony between humanity and nature," he said.