On April 28, 2024, the ZGC Forum on "Innovation-Driven Green Development" took place in Beijing. The event was hosted by the Counselor's Office of the State Council and co-organized by the Counselor's Office of the Beijing Municipal People's Government and the State Science and Technology Innovation and Investment Industry Alliance. The forum brought together numerous renowned experts and scholars from both domestic and international backgrounds. Among the distinguished guests were ICARE European visiting professors - Michel Cassir, a professor at Chimie ParisTech - PSL in France, and Georgios Karalis, a researcher at the National Technical University of Athens, Greece. Both professors were invited to participate in the forum and share their insights.

During the high-level dialogue on "Promoting the Construction of New Energy System", two European professors and experts from China and the United States had a heated discussion on issues such as how to further stimulate the innovation and creativity of the whole society, build a low-carbon, safe, and stable new energy system, and help human society better embark on the path of green development. Michel Cassir focused on introducing the economic characteristics of hydrogen energy and France's practice of electrolysis hydrogen production. He pointed out that China is rich in coal resources, which can be considered for application in efficient direct carbon fuel cells, which may have high-efficiency limits. We should remain sober in the energy transition strategy, and paying attention to infrastructure and improving energy efficiency is the key. Georgios Karalis introduced the practice of accelerating the development of photovoltaic and wind power industries in Europe, especially in Greece, to promote energy transformation in the context of the 2050 net-zero emissions target. He said that achieving low-carbon transformation by 2025 is feasible at the technical, social, and economic levels. Developing a low-carbon economy will have a significant impact on promoting economic growth, increasing job opportunities, improving the global environment, and protecting human health.

After the meeting, the two experts were interviewed by Xinhuanet. They answered questions about the positive role played by China's new energy industry in promoting global green and low-carbon development, boosting the development of the world economy, and meeting the demands of the global market. They also discussed the reasons for the competitiveness of China's "New Trio" in the international market.

In 2024, ICARE will be celebrating its 12th anniversary. During this year, ICARE plans to enhance the impact of its "Excellent Sino-European Joint Education Project" to foster greater collaboration between China and Europe in higher education and scientific research innovation. Through the establishment of innovative platforms, better resource integration, and the promotion of comprehensive educational, talent, and industrial integration, ICARE aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of its joint education initiatives. This, in turn, will contribute to the advancement of China's new energy system and the creation of a better world.