The opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Perth Conference is held in Perth, Australia, July 27, 2026. (Photo by He Ji)

The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Perth Conference was held in Perth, Western Australia, on July 27, bringing together about 200 representatives from governments, businesses and research institutions to discuss the green transition and regional cooperation.

BFA Secretary-General Zhang Jun said the green transition, driven by energy transformation, is reshaping the global energy landscape and creating new opportunities for sustainable development.

Boao Forum for Asia Secretary-General Zhang Jun chairs a roundtable discussion at the Boao Forum for Asia Perth Conference in Perth, Australia, July 27, 2026. (Photo by He Ji)

He called on countries to strengthen cooperation in technology, finance and policy coordination, and to translate consensus into concrete action to advance green development.

Liu Zhenmin, China's special envoy for climate change, said China has continued to develop a clean, low-carbon, safe and efficient energy system while supporting climate cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Liu Zhenmin, China's special envoy for climate change, delivers a speech at the Boao Forum for Asia Perth Conference in Perth, Australia, July 27, 2026. (Photo by He Ji)

He said countries in the region should remain open and cooperative, accelerate the green transition and work together to contribute to global climate governance.

Andrew Forrest, founder and executive chairman of Fortescue, delivers a speech at the Boao Forum for Asia Perth Conference in Perth, Australia, July 27, 2026. (Photo by He Ji)

Andrew Forrest, founder and executive chairman of Australian mining giant Fortescue, called for stronger cooperation in trade, investment, industry and talent development to ensure emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence support the green transition.

Experts at the conference also highlighted the potential for China-Australia cooperation in green and low-carbon development.

Li Zheng, director of the Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development at Tsinghua University, told People's Daily Online that Australia and China are highly complementary in green transformation.

He said cooperation in areas such as electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, renewable energy technologies and equipment could help both countries accelerate decarbonization.

David McElrea, CEO of the Smart Energy Council, told People's Daily Online that China and Australia have cooperated productively on energy transition projects, with broad prospects in areas including solar energy, battery storage, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

Delegates attend the Boao Forum for Asia Perth Conference in Perth, Australia, July 27, 2026. (Photo by He Ji)

McElrea said Chinese electric vehicle brands have significant growth potential in Australia and could play an important role in the country's energy transition. "Australia is a really good destination for Chinese renewable energy companies," he said.

The conference was jointly organized by the BFA and Fortescue.