Business representatives from G20 nations and guest countries convened Thursday for the B20 Summit in Sao Paulo, Brazil, exploring practical solutions for sustainable development and economic stability ahead of the upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit in November.
The B20 is the body that brings together the business community from the G20 nations and gives them a forum to discuss common objectives and views.
As the G20 Leaders' Summit draws closer, different stakeholders have been promoting discussions and issuing documents to bring their positions to the negotiating table. The B20 is one of these forums, bringing together representatives from the business communities of the member nations, along with other international guests.
Themed "Inclusive Growth for a Sustainable Future", the two-day B20 Summit attracted more than 1,000 participants.
One of Brazil's key diplomatic officials in organizing the summit stated during the business event that public authorities were working to strengthen collaboration with the private sector.
"Six or seven of the ministerial declarations in different areas of the G20 specifically reference these recommendations received from civil society, particularly from the B20. This shows that efforts to improve the communication channels have been successful," said Felipe Hees, Sous Sherpa of G20 Brazil.
The recommendations laid out by the B20 focus on fostering a fair energy transition, leveraging global trade to enhance sustainability, and boosting education and training systems to meet the demands of a changing job market.
"I would say that the fundamental topics of the B20 align with the priorities of the G20. These are the major issues of today; decarbonization, digitalization, and food security," said Dan Ioschpe, chairman of B20 Brazil.
Business leaders worked to push for their recommendations to be seriously considered by G20 leaders, hoping to influence global economic policies and promote their vision of sustainable growth.
The president of Brazil's National Confederation of Industries (CNI) said their recommendations aim to foster sustainable and inclusive growth.
"We sought to focus on a few recommendations -- those with common ground -- because we need to get used to, in every activity, whether in Brazil or in the public or private sector, valuing what converges. We have a tendency to value what diverges," said Ricardo Alban, president of the CNI.
Business leaders convene for B20 Summit, exploring solutions for sustainable development
Various activities were held across China to celebrate the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first month on he Chinese lunar calendar, or March 3 this year.
In Xining City of northwest China's Qinghai Province, a spectacular exhibition featuring intangible cultural heritage was held, transforming the streets into a vibrant cultural feast.
In Baoqing County of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, a dozen traditional Yangge folk dance teams enchanted audiences with their performances during a lively parade, showcasing the allure of local culture.
Shengfang ancient town in Langfang City, north China's Hebei Province staged a performance featuring stilt walking, martial arts and lion dances, accompanied by the lively beat of drums, creating a festive and bustling atmosphere.
In Urumqi City of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, vibrant folk activities dazzled audiences as performers engaged in lively dragon and lion dances, Yangge folk dances and other activities. The rich blend of song and dance brought a joyous spirit to the festivities.
"There were a total of 18 folk performance teams, jointly presenting a spectacular parade that showcased the charm of folk performances through the collaboration of various ethnic groups," said Shi Zhongming, head of the local cultural center.
As the Lantern Festival draws near, people are busy preparing for this cherished occasion by making tangyuan -- glutinous rice balls commonly filled with sweet ingredients such as peanuts or black sesame. In Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County of southwest China's Sichuan Province, residents gathered to create colorful tangyuan, celebrating the sweetness of life during this traditional festival.
In Weng'an County of southwest China's Guizhou Province, local villagers joined forces to make tangyuan and ciba -- a traditional glutinous rice cake, fostering a sense of neighborly warmth as they crafted these delicious treats together.
At the historic Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai, numerous visitors enjoyed tangyuan from renowned local eateries, savoring the festive flavors.
"Our family comes together to eat tangyuan, which symbolizes reunion and sweetness," said He Jinjing, a visitor.
The Lantern Festival celebrations continued to thrive under the night sky, coming alive with even more vibrancy.
In Yangliuqing ancient town of north China's Tianjin Municipality, a stunning display featuring 59 themed lantern groups and 28,000 decorative lights greeted visitors, inviting them to embrace the joyous spirit of the festival.
In the picturesque Nanyandang Mountains of east China's Zhejiang Province, people enjoyed colorful lanterns and captivating performances, immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere amidst breathtaking landscapes.
In Chongzuo City of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, crowds guessed lantern riddles and enjoyed traditional heritage exhibitions, treating themselves to a visual feast that celebrated the richness of cultural traditions.
In Putian City of east China's Fujian Province, over 2,000 residents adorned their ordinary benches with lights and connected them to create vibrant dragons that paraded through the streets.
"This year, the lantern parade featured more participants, longer 'dragons', and a livelier atmosphere, signaling a prosperous and thriving year ahead," said Huang Suhong, a local resident.
Various activities held across China to celebrate Lantern Festival
