On July 6 2022, during the 50th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Beijing NGO Network for International Exchanges and China Association for NGO Cooperation and Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation co-hosted the Parallel Event on “Actively Coping with Climate Change and Contributing to Humanity’s Sustainable Development”, which is an event where NGOs in Beijing actively participate in the discussion of issues and promote multilateral common governance in important areas under the framework of UN Human Rights Council. Experts, scholars and representatives of international organizations from relevant institutions from both at home and abroad conducted in-depth exchanges and discussions at this event, and contributed civil wisdom in participating in international affairs and global ecological environment governance.
Dr. Li Ruohong, Director General of Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation, pointed out that the issue of how to view the globalized, health, cultural and modern aspects of the atmospheric environment is a challenge to the protection of human rights. We must unify the will, set the implementation standards, make progress in finance, trade, technological innovation, social services, etc., and create a balanced atmosphere with “Peace+1”, credibility and interest, dignity and wisdom. We must act in good faith and bear in mind the original aspirations.
Dai Jianjun, Vice President and Secretary General of Beijing NGO Network for International Exchanges, said that addressing the severe challenge of climate change is a global issue, and no country can stand alone. We should respect nature and cherish the ecological environment that is unnoticed and hard to survive; It is in line with the fundamental interests of mankind and the only way to achieve sustainable development.
Benjamin Schachter, Coordinator of Environment and Climate in United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, delivered a speech via prerecorded video. He said that the OHCHR has pointed out that climate change constitutes the greatest challenge to human rights in our time. Climate change, together with the loss of biodiversity and environmental pollution, not only threatens the survival of mankind, but also threatens all life on earth. In the context of climate change, the protection and development of human rights require international cooperation. The specific situation varies from country to country, and everyone should do his best. As long as we follow the right path and work together, we can ensure the sustainable development of mankind.
Mohamed Rasheed, Chairman of China – Maldivian Cultural Association, former ambassador of Maldives to China, attended this event and delivered a speech. He introduced to participants that Maldives hopes to become a leader in mitigation measures in areas such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and launched a series of adaptive measures, such as “coastal protection tools, community projects”, to minimize the impact of climate change and reshape the resilience of the ecological environment.
Liu Fengwei, Priority Project Coordinator for Greening Belt and Road Initiative of WWF Beijing Office, said that o solve the problem of energy accessibility, we should vigorously develop the off grid or micro grid systems along the Belt and Road to provide renewable energy; International development assistance can be used as an important source of funds and technology to support the access to electricity in areas without electricity. There are still many projects worthy of research and assistance in this field in China. In addition, the development of renewable energy should also focus on the sustainability of the project and its impact on the local environment and society.
Christine Mwangi, Regional Coordinator of Africa Sustainable Investments and Infrastructure Programme of WWF Kenya, attended the meeting online and delivered a speech, introducing the current situation and needs of sustainable infrastructure development in Africa, and sharing her experience and practice in coordinating the work related to local sustainable infrastructure in Nairobi.
Liu Jiashun, Vice president and Secretary General of China Green Carbon Foundation, shared the topic “China’s National Park Construction in the Context of Climate Change”. He said that China sets out clear requirements for the construction of a natural reserve system with national parks as the main body, nature reserves as the foundation, and various natural parks as supplements. As the construction of China’s national parks continues to advance, the natural reserve system with national parks as the main body is bound to become increasingly sound, functional and sustainable, and its contribution to the cause of human rights will become more and more prominent.
Wang Yuanfeng, Special researcher of Global Governance Institution, Carbon Neutral Technology and Strategy Research Center of Beijing Jiaotong University Chinese Academy, stressed that the protection of human rights requires strengthening climate adaptation and enterprise ESG transformation. By incorporating the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact into enterprise strategies, policies and procedures, and establishing a culture of integrity, enterprises should not only lay the foundation for their own long-term success, but also maintain their basic responsibilities to mankind and the earth.
Xu Yinlong, Researcher of Institute of Agricultural Environment and Sustainable Development, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, interpreted China’s national strategy for adaptation to climate change 2035 for the participants from a professional perspective, emphasized the importance of enhancing the resilience of sustainable agricultural development to cope with climate change, and said that the strategy implemented the concept of adaptation and mitigation to cope with climate change in a coordinated manner, and put forward more new ideas for diversified participation in global ecological environment governance.
Wang Xiangyi, Vice Chairwoman & Executive Director of China Association for NGO Cooperation, pointed out in her conclusion that one of the rights to the environment mentioned in the National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2021-2025) is to tackle climate change, including working to achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, boosting capacity for adaptation to climate change and fostering international cooperation in climate change; She believes that we will have many opportunities for cooperation in promoting the harmonious coexistence between human and nature.
In recent years, through cooperation with the UN system, developed countries and developing countries, China, as a participant, contributor and leader in global climate governance, has demonstrated its responsibility as a major country and guided by the concept of “man and nature are a community of life”. The country firmly supports and advocates international organizations and non-governmental organizations to take climate change and ecological environment governance as sustainable issues.
Beijing NGO Network for International Exchanges has special consultative status with UN ECOSOC and observer status in UNFCCC. This parallel event enriched the relevant content of the 50th session of the UN Human Rights Council, and built a platform for more relevant institutions and representatives to promote exchanges and cooperation, and make unremitting efforts to promote sustainable human development.
