The 2025 Global Environment and Sustainable Development Conference opened on June 8 at the Square Hall Water Courtyard in the WatertownLiving Roomarea,markingthe first international conference held at this new Yangtze River Delta landmark since its completion in May.

Co-organized by the United Nations Environment Programme, Tongji University, and the Executive Committee of the Yangtze River DeltaEcology and GreeneryIntegrationDemonstration Zone, the conference brought together over 400 delegates from 36 countries and regions. The event focused on cutting-edge sustainability topics, facilitating discussions and knowledge-sharing on solutions and pathways for ecological prioritization, resource efficiency, and green development.

The conference featured four parallel forums held in themed venues representing Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces. Each venue incorporated distinctive local characteristics while being equipped with multifunctional conference halls accommodating 200-300 participants and large open exhibition spaces.

Square Hall Water Courtyard has set a new benchmark as China's leading near-zero carbon large-scale public building by integrating innovative design standards including national near-zero energy consumption, Three-Star Green Building certification, and Shanghai's ultra-low energy requirements. Calculations show the building achieves 82percentcomprehensive energy efficiency, surpassing the national standard of 72percent, with an estimated annual carbon reduction of 1,940 tons.

Wang Yongchun,deputygeneralmanager of the Yangtze River Delta Integration Demonstration Zone New Development Construction Co Ltd, which operates Square Hall Water Courtyard, announced that the venue will host major events including the Yangtze River Delta REITs Forum and Taihu World Culture Forum. It is expected to become a regular venue for high-profile domestic and international conferences, exhibitions, and forums in the coming years.

Covering a total construction area of approximately 104,000 square meters, Square Hall Water Courtyard is centered around the geographical origin point of the Yangtze River Delta. Spanning across Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang, the complex features a central Yangtze River Delta Hall along the south bank of Taipu River, with four themed exhibition halls representing Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui at each corner. Three interprovincial pedestrian bridges and corridors seamlessly connect all facilities, creating an integrated shared meeting space for the entire Yangtze River Delta region.