The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) organized a “UNIDO DAY” event themed “New Chapter-the Role of Technology Transfer in the Promotion of Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development” on 25 April 2014 during the 2nd China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair. Invited as one the two keynote speakers, Deputy Director General Chen Liang delivered a speech on “International Cooperation for Environmental Sustainable Development”. Li Yong, Director-General of UNIDO and Zhou Bo, Vice Mayor of Shanghai also attended the event and delivered speeches.
In his speech, Mr. Chen pointed out that sound ecological environment is the fundamental basis for the sustainable development of human and society. Historically speaking, the ecological environment decided the wax and wane of civilizations. To achieve the harmonious and sustainable development of man and nature, we must bear in mind the great philosophical words that “if civilization follows spontaneous rather than proactive development, only a wasted desert will be left behind.” We must pursue the notion that “protecting the environment is protecting the productivity and improving the environment is developing productivity”, and never allow the “silent spring” to turn into our future. The “inclusive and sustainable industrial development” proposed by UNIDO is an innovative action to solve the contradictions between industrial development and environmental damage, and can be of reference to all.
Mr. Chen mentioned that from the perspective of ecological civilization, environmental problems lie fundamentally in economic structure, development pattern, distribution approach and consumption model. As the biggest developing country in the world, China faces both unbalanced development and its subsequent environmental deterioration, which have brought arduous challenges for development and environmental protection. Improving the environment needs to follow the law of nature, requires patience and perseverance, and demands the tenacity and courage of great warriors. “Declaring war on pollution”, improving environmental quality and safeguarding our common home will not only improve the welfare of the 1.3 billion Chinese people, but also contribute to the global sustainable development.
Mr. Chen emphasized that the Chinese government pays great attention to global environmental issues and supports actions taken by the global community on global sustainable development and environmental protection. China is willing to participate in global environmental efforts, and fulfil the obligations and responsibilities comparable to its development levels. With the support of international organizations, China has made great efforts in the protection of global environment, making prominent contributions to the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, the Stockholm Convention, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and adaptation of climate change.
Mr. Chen said that environmental problems have no boundaries, they are not only severe, complex, global and can impact the entire human kind, but are also accumulative, cross-cutting and irreversible. We need to firmly believe that all destinies are connected, “common action is needed for the same air we all breathe”, and join hands to bring environmental cooperation to a new level. We need to take care of our homeland which our survival and development all depend upon, and write a new chapter for ecological civilization. He also called upon all parties to strengthen political trust to lay the solid basis for environmental cooperation, embrace reform and innovation to provide paths to effective environmental cooperation and pursue openness and inclusiveness to offer greater space for environmental cooperation.
