My mission to China focused on recent environmental and policy developments in the country and on renewing our strategic partnership with the country. With Minister Li Ganje, we agreed to timelines on key areas of cooperation including the China-Africa Environment Centre, World Environment Forum, and preparations for the Biodiversity Convention Conference of Parties in 2020.
I spoke at the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Kubuqi eco-restoration initiative. A former desert area, Kubuqi has been transformed into a hub of the very best in green economy practices. For their successful efforts, Wang Wenbiao was awarded the 2017 Champions of the Earth prize. In a field trip to Saihanba region, I was able to see first-hand how afforestation efforts have spurred economic growth and a green economy now work about US$ 5 million in 2016 alone.
I delivered a keynote address at the opening of a national training initiative underway with national and local judges on environmental law and enforcement. I had a very productive meeting with Chou Qiang, the Chief Justice and President of the Supreme People’s Court to advance collaboration between the Court and UN Environment.
Xiong’an in Hebei province is China’s newest and incredibly ambitious project to develop an urban, smart and green city for the future. In meetings with the Director of the Administrative Committee, I was updated on the latest progress on city planning and strategies.
