The annual general meeting of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development began on Tuesday.

The theme of this year's meeting is "For Nature and Humanity: Building a Community of Life Together".

Three plenary sessions and seven forums will be held during the four-day event, including a forum themed "Ecological Civilization: Building a Harmonious and Beautiful World for All".

Ecological civilization is a concept promoted by President Xi Jinping for balanced and sustainable development that features the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.

Six hundred people from home and abroad are expected to participate in the event, with some joining via video link.

As a high-level dialogue and cooperation mechanism for China and the world, the council has become an important platform that gives the nation the ability to consider policy suggestions from the international community, said Huang Runqiu, minister of Ecology and Environment, as he spoke during the opening ceremony on Tuesday.

Huang is also the executive vice-chairperson of the council.

Aside from helping China learn about other nation's experiences in sustainable development, the platform also plays a role in introducing the philosophy and practices surrounding the country's environmental development to the world, he added.

"We hope the CCICED will to continue to work as a bridge and platform that can promote sustainable development on a global scale and make even greater contributions to joint efforts in fostering a community of life for man and nature," he said.

Established in 1992, the council is a high-level international advisory body comprising officials and experts from China and abroad who provide policy advice to the Chinese government.

The council is now chaired by Vice-Premier Han Zheng.

Its general meeting is an important occasion where members can finalize annual policy recommendations to the State Council, China's Cabinet, and relevant departments in the central government.