BEIJING (AP) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called on Chinese youth to help protect the environment and conserve energy, saying sustainability does not have to come at the cost of economic growth and can ensure a better world.

She made the remarks Tuesday when she delivered a speech at Tsinghua University, a higher learning institute in Beijing that prides itself on technology programs.

Merkel told hundreds of students that sustainable development does not sacrifice economic growth but can provide new economic opportunities.

The German chancellor said the world’s economies, including developing countries such as China and India, need to work together to make the global economy more sustainable.

Merkel is wrapping up a three-day visit to China, where she helped open an urbanization forum and met with Chinese leaders.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.