This December, as the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary, CGTN launched a special series titled "The UN at 80: China's Perspective," shedding light on landmark moments that have shaped global sustainable development.
A Journey from Stockholm to Today
In the second episode, "Development Goals," former special advisor to the UN Deputy Secretary-General Wang Zhijia visits the home of Qu Geping, China's first permanent representative to the United Nations Environment Programme. Together, they trace the path from the pivotal 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment to modern efforts.
Reflecting on the 1972 Stockholm Conference
At Qu's Beijing residence, Wang and Qu recall how that landmark conference laid the groundwork for global environmental governance, inspiring nations to prioritize planetary health.
China's Ecological Practices in Action
They discuss how China's ecological initiatives—from large-scale reforestation projects to advances in renewable energy—have evolved over decades, contributing to a more sustainable global future.
Why This Matters to Young Global Citizens
Entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts can find fresh opportunities in eco-innovation, while thought leaders and activists can draw lessons from China's environmental journey to drive policy and action. Travelers and digital nomads, meanwhile, can explore emerging eco-destinations and engage with local sustainability efforts.
As we mark 80 years of the UN, the stories of Wang Zhijia and Qu Geping remind us that sustainable development is a shared journey—one that calls on all of us to build a resilient planet together.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
