The 5th China-EU Social Ecological and Legal Forum was held in Qingdao from Sept.23 to Sept. 26, 2015. This Forum was sponsored by both Rosa-Luxemburg Foundation and School of Law, Renmin University of China, organized by School of Law and Political Science, Ocean University of China (OUC), co-organized by Institute of Environmental Law and Ecological Civilization of Ocean University of China，University of Vienna, Austria, and Institute of Environmental and Resources Law of Beijing Law Society.

Speeches and presentations were focused on such topics as urbanization and environmental protection. The forum was divided into four units, centering on public engagement, low-carbon buildings and low-carbon life, environmental justice, ecological civilization and reform of legal systems.

Keynote speakers included Mr. Zhu Weiguo, the Deputy Director of Department of Laws and Regulations, Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council, Prof. Li Huajun, vice president of OUC, and Mr. Harald Wolf, member of the Berlin Council, and the former senator of the Federal Convention of Germany. 

This event was attended by over 60 participates, including experts from the United States, Germany, Austria and South Korea, scholars and legal practitioners from Renmin University of China, Central South University of Forestry and Technology and Zhengzhou University, as well as the representatives of the OUC students. 

It was of great significance as it not only enhanced the exchanges and cooperation between scholars of China and their counterparts in Germany, the U.S. and other countries in the field of urbanization and environmental protection, but also promoted the collaboration between OUC and other international academic institutions.

Translated by Vivienne YAN

roofread by Xenia PAN and William ZOU