On June 8, the International Student Conference on Environment and Sustainability was held at Fangting Shuiyuan (Fangting Water Courtyard), a landmark public building in the Yangtze River Delta's demonstration zone for green and integrated ecological development. It marked the first major event since the building's completion.

More than 400 representatives from 36 countries and regions gathered to discuss issues related to sustainable development, sharing insights into eco-friendly practices at the event, alongside the 2025 Global Conference on Environment and Sustainable Development.

The demonstration zone spans Qingpu District of Shanghai, Wujiang District of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, and Jiashan County in Zhejiang Province. The boundary of the two provinces and one municipality converges at the Taipu River, the site of the newly completed building. The structure draws inspiration from the siheyuan, a traditional Chinese architectural style featuring a courtyard enclosed by buildings on all four sides.

The complex covers a total floor area of 104,000 square meters and includes a main hall and four exhibition halls themed around Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui, one at each corner.

In 2024, the delta region recorded significant water quality improvements in rivers and lakes, with 2,790 species documented. The region continues to attract a growing number of innovative projects as it pursues an integrated, green development strategy.