SHANGHAI — More than 300 university students from 30 countries and regions attended the International Student Conference Environment and Sustainability 2018 in Shanghai on June 5, marking World Environment Day.

The summit, featuring the theme of “Less Plastic Pollution, Better City Life,” offered young students a platform to share in various areas, including innovative thinking and best practices on sustainable development, education, eco-cities, wildlife and green lifestyles.

This Conference is co-hosted by Tongji University, the United Nations Environment Programme, Xinhua News Agency and Beijing Environment Foundation for Young Talents.

Erik Solheim, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, praised the Chinese government for doing more on solving plastic pollution, while conveying welcome remarks to the conference by video.

He also encouraged young students to live a greener lifestyle and reduce the use of plastic.

The summit was first held in 2011 to build a platform to gather young students worldwide and discuss globally-important environmental and sustainable development issues.

The conference will last until June 7.