4th Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific

My congratulations to the newly appointed Chair and Vice chair of the Forum. Ms. Dechen Tsering, Regional Director and Representative, UN Environment Programme, Asia and the Pacific, the Secretariat of the Forum and all UN colleagues and friends of the planet. 

I appreciate the opportunity to join this important discussion, and recall the clear guidance provided by Member States in the resolutions of the UNEA to put nature at the center of our actions to achieve the SDGs.

I bring you the remarkable example of China, where I serve as the UN Resident Coordinator, and where smart policies, coupled with strong political leadership, have resulted in a dramatic transformation of the country’s environment, both in urban and rural settings. 

After decades pursuing fast growth, often at the environment’s expense, China is now transitioning to a more balanced model of “high-quality development”, in line with the 2030 Agenda. The planet is a key aspect of this model, as are its effects and interdependencies with the economic and social dimensions of sustainable development. 

President Xi Jinping put it best when he said: “Green is gold”, so capturing a vision that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, aiming to develop eco-friendly growth models and improve the quality of life in China. While challenges remain, the direction is clear.

The UN in China is in lockstep with this vision, as reflected in our recent UNSDCF. Its priorities aim to support China’s goal of green development through actions to ensure a healthier and more resilient environment – on land, under water, in the oceans and in the atmosphere - including the transition to people-centred, low carbon and circular economy.

The UN Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres calling a code red on the climate crisis has said, “Time is running out. But it is not too late. Let us heed the calls of wise leaders -- religious, business and especially young people who are taking to the streets to demand that we change our relationship with nature now. Let’s lace up our running shoes and win the climate race for us all”.

Next week’s UN Biodiversity Conference in Kunming, China, provides the global community with further opportunities to galvanize efforts at all levels to build a better future in harmony with nature. Today’s Forum provide a wonderful opportunity to shape the discussions in Kunming and, later, those in Glasgow at COP26.

I wish all participants successful deliberations.