The government of the People’s Republic of China has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global environmental governance, urging nations to collaborate in creating a “clean and beautiful world” during a high-level thematic side event at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi.
Senior Chinese officials, along with leaders from Kenya, UNEP, and other international partners, highlighted the urgency of collective action, the importance of multilateralism, and the necessity for practical solutions to address the escalating environmental challenges the planet faces.
Speaking at the event themed “Improving Global Environmental Governance to Jointly Build a Clean and Beautiful World,” China’s Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment, Guo Fang, showcased the country’s rapid progress in green transformation.
“China has built the world’s largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system and also the largest carbon market in the world. These achievements demonstrate that rapid development and environmental protection can go hand-in-hand in the world’s largest developing country,” she stated.
Guo reiterated that China’s journey towards ecological civilization not only benefits its domestic environment but also offers wisdom and solutions for global environmental governance.
She cited China’s commitment to peak carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, as outlined by President Xi Jinping through updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs).
“China played a key role in advancing the landmark Climate Monitor Global Biodiversity Framework, significantly boosting global confidence in conservation,” she noted, while also highlighting China’s initiatives, including South-South environmental cooperation and the Green Belt and Road Initiative, which supports sustainable development projects in the developing world.
The Vice Minister pledged China’s dedication to advancing the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) and building a fair and equitable environmental governance system that fosters harmony between humanity and nature.
“We hope that all leaders and guests will exchange views on the theme of this side event, share experiences, deepen understanding, and work together to protect our planet, our shared home,” she said.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, echoed these sentiments, asserting that China has consistently played a constructive role in global governance, from strengthening BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and establishing development-focused multilateral banks.
She highlighted five core concepts of President Xi’s Global Governance Initiative, which underscore sovereign equality, rule of law, multilateralism, people-centred decision-making, and practical, results-driven cooperation.
“Since its launch, the initiative has received strong support from the international community. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that the GGI is reaching connotation with its core concepts aligned closely with the values upheld by the United Nations, adding that it effectively addresses the strong calls from the international community for reforming and improving the global governance system,” said Ambassador Guo.
“China is ready to work hand-in-hand with the international community to take the implementation of the GGI as an opportunity to enhance cooperation, stay on the right course of green transition, and build a more just and equitable global environmental governance system to create a better future for all humankind,” she added.
Dechen Tsering, UNEP’s Regional Director for Asia-Pacific, commended China’s significant contributions to improving air quality, expanding renewable energy, and advancing circular economy initiatives.
She noted that China’s latest NDC signifies continued climate determination, citing impressive progress such as renewable energy projected to account for 60% of installed capacity by 2025, a booming electric vehicle market, and measurable improvements in air quality, especially in Beijing.
“Over the last two decades of visiting China, I have greatly appreciated the air quality in Beijing. We have witnessed all that China has achieved because it recognized early on what is at stake: cleaner air, energy security, jobs and economic resilience,” Tsering stated.
“China invested and is reaping the benefits. This is a lesson for all other nations. While China prepares to embark on the 15th Five-Year Plan, I thank China for all its efforts in the climate space, as well as in restoring and protecting nature and in reducing pollution and waste,” she added.
Tsering urged strengthened partnerships, deeper South-South cooperation, and a faster transition towards low-carbon, nature-positive development in the coming years.
A Policy Research Director General from China’s organizing team emphasized the philosophical and policy foundations for ecological civilization, rooted in Xi Jinping’s thought on sustainable development.
He outlined China’s achievements, including the world’s largest carbon market, expanded forest resources, improved air quality, and global biodiversity conservation efforts, such as the Kunming Biodiversity Fund.
He reiterated the need for fairness, sovereign equality, inclusive decision-making, and global sharing of green development outcomes, calling on developed countries to “demonstrate greater ambition and take action” to close both the ambition and funding gaps in environmental governance.
Kenya’s Climate Change Envoy, Ali Mohamed, welcomed delegates to Nairobi and highlighted Kenya’s long-standing leadership in conservation, climate action, and environmental diplomacy.
He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to its Paris Agreement obligations, including a 35% emissions reduction in its upcoming NDC, despite its minimal contribution to global emissions.
Ali called for reduced fragmentation of environmental agreements and stronger support for UNEP, headquartered in Nairobi, emphasizing that environmental challenges cannot be addressed in isolation from trade, security, and global finance.
“We changed the perspectives and the narrative about climate in Africa. We realized that the discussions on climate over the years have portrayed Africa as just a victim, and we’ve changed that, just as China has done. It was very encouraging to see the video, Your Excellency, on how transformation has happened in China,” he remarked.
With many global meetings producing decisions but limited implementation, he urged a renewed focus on turning commitments into tangible action.
Kenya’s first female SGR locomotive driver, Concilia Owire, shared insights from the ground, highlighting the Standard Gauge Railway as a model of infrastructure that balances development with environmental conservation.
“Beyond its economic impact, the SGR stands as a powerful symbol of our commitment to a sustainable environment,” Owire said.
“By shifting transportation from road to rail, the SGR has significantly reduced carbon emissions and decreased road traffic, directly contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions and supporting climate action through smoother logistics and smaller environmental footprints,” she noted.
Owire explained that the SGR’s wildlife underpasses, overpasses, and protective fencing have ensured safe movement of animals, including elephants and giraffes, around Tsavo and Nairobi national parks.
“The Kenyan SGR reminds us all that development and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. It is a testament to what is possible when nations invest in modern infrastructure while respecting both people and wildlife,” she stated
During the deliberations, speakers appealed for countries to deepen cooperation, strengthen multilateral environmental governance, and advance practical solutions that protect the planet. They insisted that achieving global sustainability requires decisive movement from discussion to implementation.
