Yili Chairman and President Pan Gang delivers a speech at the conference. [Photo provided to goinnermongolia.com.cn]

Dairy giant Yili Group called for deeper global collaboration to build a more innovative, digital, and sustainable dairy industry at the 2026 World Dairy Industry Conference in Hohhot, capital of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Aug 1.

Co-hosted by Yili Group and Mengniu Group, the two-day conference was themed "Technology Driven, Partnership Oriented, and Co-building a Sustainable Global Dairy Ecosystem".

Industry association leaders, scientists, and representatives from leading dairy companies worldwide attended the event.

At the opening ceremony, International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) awarded Hohhot the title of "World Dairy Capital". Yili Chairman and President Pan Gang joined Hohhot Mayor He Haidong in receiving the plaque and trophy.

IUFoST President-Elect Pavinee Chinachoti said the designation recognizes Hohhot's long-term contribution to dairy development and commends visionary companies such as Yili for advancing the global healthy food industry.

In his keynote speech, Pan said the dairy industry's mission extends beyond providing nutrition to improving global health through cooperation and innovation, as the industry is facing rapid technological change, supply chain restructuring, climate challenges, and evolving consumer demand.

Pan outlined Yili's vision for a new global dairy ecosystem driven by innovation, digital intelligence, and green development. He said innovation should be built on global collaboration rather than isolated efforts, and that Yili is integrating global expertise to accelerate technological progress across the industry.

On digital transformation, Pan said intelligent technologies should benefit the entire dairy value chain, not just individual companies. He highlighted Yili's efforts to connect and integrate upstream and downstream partners through a comprehensive digital ecosystem.

Pan also reaffirmed Yili's commitment to sustainable development. The company became the first in China's dairy industry to set carbon neutrality goals and a roadmap, pledging to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire value chain before 2050.

Through its "dual footprint" approach, which combines carbon and water footprint management, Yili has become the only agri-food company worldwide selected for the United Nations' Corporate Net-Zero Pathways initiative.

Calling for stronger international cooperation, Pan invited global partners to work together to promote shared value and sustainable growth, contributing to better health and well-being worldwide.