U.N. chief hails Belt and Road Initiative, urges platform to help conserve climate
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has hailed the Belt and Road Initiative, saying not only could it contribute to a more equitable, prosperous world but could also help reverse the negative impact of climate change.
Guterres made the remarks on Friday in Beijing while addressing the Chinese President and dozens of world leaders at the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
He urged the international community to “come together” in mobilizing resources to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and “to stop runaway climate change.”
“China’s leadership on climate action is helping to show the way,” the UN chief said, noting the $125 billion investment made by the Chinese Government in 2017, in renewable energy.
Guterres also used the opportunity to rally world leaders to increase efforts in climate conservation measures.
“I see the Belt and Road Initiative as an important space where green principles can be reflected in green action,” he told the Forum.
During his stay in Beijing, Guterres will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other officials. He will be accompanied by Liu Zhenmin, Under-Secretary-General at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).
The Belt and Road Initiative is a Chinese government cross-national project that involves nearly 70 countries.
The name Belt and Road was coined in 2013 by China’s President Xi Jinping. He drew inspiration from the concept of the famous Silk Road establishes some 2,000 years ago.
The initiative – initially known as One Belt, One Road – aims to eradicate poverty, create jobs, address the consequences of international financial crises, promote sustainable development, and advance market-based industrial transformation and economic diversification.
