Xinhua, UNEP to deepen cooperation on environment, sustainable development

NAIROBI, March 24 (NsNewsWire) — Xinhua News Agency President Cai Mingzhao on Wednesday pledged continuous support to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on environment protection and sustainable development, and particularly to UNEP’s efforts to stop illegal trade in wildlife, reports Xinhua.

During his visit to the UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, Cai said Xinhua, China’s state news agency, would constantly explore new cooperation models with the UNEP with a view to make greater contribution to human development.

“Xinhua is willing to support UNEP’s environmental campaigns such as wildlife protection through enhanced news coverage and interactions on official websites and social media platforms, and by jointly holding public service activities,” he said during talks with UNEP deputy executive director Ibrahim Thiaw.

Both organizations have also agreed to combine resources to bring greater attention to the illegal trade in wildlife so that consumers understand the damage caused by their purchases, in an effort to reduce demand.

Thiaw said Cai’s visit has come at a critical moment as UNEP is leading the One UN campaign to combat the illegal trade in wildlife. He said the UNEP also welcomes Xinhua’s participation in its other major campaigns this year, including Marine Litter, Sustainable Tourism, and Air Pollution.

“Taking the opportunity of your first official visit to UNEP headquarters, UNEP senior management has decided to present you with a certificate of Excellence in Advocacy and Leadership on Environment, in recognition for Xinhua’s leadership, innovation and inspiration in raising awareness of critical environmental issues,” Thiaw said.

Thiaw expressed his gratitude to Xinhua for years of generous support, and most recently for facilitating the broadcast of UNEP’s messages on World Wildlife Day in Times Square, New York.

“Thanks to this effort, together we were able to raise awareness on the scourge of the illegal trade in wildlife,” he said.

Xinhua News Agency President Cai Mingzhao visits David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya, March 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhu Shaobin)

Upon receiving the certificate, Cai said the honor was not only a great encouragement to him and Xinhua, but also an affirmation of the efforts made by Chinese news media in raising environmental awareness and driving sustainable development.

“Environment is one of the most important issues facing mankind. Amid global efforts toward environmental protection, the media are obliged to play a special role and undertake social responsibilities,” he said.

Xinhua signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UNEP in June 2015 in regard to support of nature and advancement of sustainable development.

Cai added Xinhua’s active cooperation with various UN departments, including the UNEP, was in line with Chinese President Xi Jinping‘s pledge in September last year to resolutely support the causes pursued by the United Nations (UN) when he delivered a speech at the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Aside from further collaboration with Xinhua, Thiaw also discussed with Cai about the upcoming gathering of the world’s most powerful decision-making body on the environment — the United Nations Environment Assembly, which will be held in Nairobi in May.

After his visit to the UNEP headquarters, the Xinhua president also visited the Nairobi-based David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, and adopted orphaned elephant Mwashoti to highlight the danger facing elephants and raise awareness about the illegal wildlife trade.