A s the Conference of the Parties (to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in Paris draws nearer, the focus on topics such as climate change and sustainable development has been growing steadily.

Open dialogue and intense negotiations by world leaders are of key importance now, as was underlined during COP 20 in Lima, Peru.

COP 21 in Paris will set the path for the development of our economies and societies for decades to come. Austrian climate policy already facilitates the steady climb of the share of renewable energy consumption in Austria — in 2013 the total share of renewables reached 32.5 percent.

The People's Republic of China plays a crucial role for success in the fight against climate change. Austria welcomes the recent commitments of China's leading institutions regarding the strengthening of the legal framework for environmental protection and its enforcement, as well as the announcement to increase the share of renewable energy in primary energy consumption.

In past years, the Eco Forum Global Annual Conference Guiyang has proven to be an exemplary platform for professional and inspiring exchanges on sustainable development, renewable energy and green development overall.

My hope is that the workshop "Climate and Energy Model Regions/ Smart Cities" organized by Austria will help to contribute to the success of the conference by offering the strong experience of Austrian policymakers and companies.

Let me conclude by paying tribute to your achievements as chairman of the Eco Forum Global. May the Eco Forum Global Annual Conference Guiyang 2015 perpetuate the success of the past conferences and help bring the world of sustainable development closer together.

The author is Austrian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management