The UN in China goes electric!

Following the completion of procurement and registration processes, the keys to the electric vehicle were handed over to Resident Coordinator Siddharth Chatterjee at an informal launch ceremony at the UN compound in Beijing.

As recognized by UN Secretary-General António Guterres during this year’s first World Sustainable Transport Day, the transport sector is currently responsible for approximately one-quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, while 91% of the energy used in motorized transport on land, sea and air comes from fossil fuels.

These sentiments were echoed during a video message played at the ceremony from Jean Todt, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety.

Thus, procurement of this electric vehicle is intended to demonstrate the UN in China’s commitment to lead by example and “walk the talk” on climate action, the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"As one of the few Resident Coordinators in the world with an electric vehicle as their official vehicle, I am happy to now say that the UN in China has joined the millions of consumers here in China and around the world who are now enjoying a cleaner, greener and more sustainable transport option." - Siddharth Chatterjee

While the transport sector is one of the most difficult to decarbonize, there are encouraging signs that humanity is beginning to rise to the challenge by creating more efficient and low-carbon transportation systems, with more households and individuals adopting solutions such as public transport and electric vehicles.

The electric vehicle, therefore, also symbolizes the UN in China’s support for China’s critical role in the acceleration of the green transition and the SDGs, including through its efforts on electric vehicles, industry, innovation and infrastructure.

Given that switching from a regular vehicle to an electric vehicle, in general, can reduce one’s personal carbon footprint by an average of 2 tons per year, the UN in China has been encouraged to see their sustained rollout and the growth in related charging infrastructure in China over the past few years.

Representatives from UN entities in China, many of whom supported procurement efforts, also attended the ceremony.

The UN in China stands ready, through the implementation of its Cooperation Framework, to continue supporting the people and Government of China in achieving green development towards a more sustainable and resilient environment.