At 80 years old, the United Nations stands as a beacon for global cooperation and sustainable development. In its special CGTN series “The UN at 80: China's Perspective,” the second episode “Development Goals” delves into how the UN drives worldwide sustainability—and why it matters for every young global citizen.
Former UN Deputy Secretary-General special advisor Wang Zhijia visits the home of Qu Geping—the Chinese mainland's first permanent representative to the United Nations Environment Programme—to reflect on a pivotal moment in environmental diplomacy. Their conversation brings viewers back to the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, the UN's first major gathering on global ecology. They highlight how that landmark meeting set the stage for today’s sustainability agenda.
More than just history, “Development Goals” underscores real-world impacts. From community-led conservation projects to renewable tech startups in emerging markets, the episode showcases how policymakers, activists, and entrepreneurs across the world are tackling challenges like climate change and resource scarcity. It also explores how ecological practices on the Chinese mainland—from reforestation efforts to green financing—offer lessons for achieving the UN’s shared goals.
As the world forges ahead toward inclusive growth, the UN at 80 invites all of us—travelers, digital nomads, tech innovators, and cultural creators—to join the conversation. Whether you’re tracking the latest green startup in Nairobi or volunteering for a beach-cleanup in Rio, sustainable development depends on global connections and local action.
In an era where social media amplifies every voice, “Development Goals” serves as a timely reminder: building a resilient future takes bold ideas, cross-cultural collaboration, and a shared vision for prosperity that leaves no one behind.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
