China’s on-the-ground climate progress and vibrant sustainable development drive offer strong inspiration for global action, according to a senior United Nations climate official.

In an interview, Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), said his latest trip to China was aimed at gauging real world progress, stressing that practical implementation of climate policies is often more revealing than numerical data alone.

"I mean, it's sharing where we need to get to certainly by the end of this year within the climate negotiations, understanding what the priorities of China are... and there is always far more actually taking place in reality, in practice, than is always reflected in presenting numbers. It's always good to get a sense of what is really happening here," Stiell said.

A frequent visitor to China, Stiell noted that what struck him most on this trip was the palpable energy driving sustainable development across sectors. While his Beijing itinerary did not include private sector meetings, he had held talks with business representatives in Hong Kong before traveling to the capital.

"It's just the energy... I was in Hong Kong and I did get to meet with the private sector there. And there's some incredible things that have been sent within the financial markets and how they're supporting sustainable development. But it's the vibrancy, it is that can-do attitude," he said.

Reflecting on China's consistent progress over the decades, Stiell expressed admiration for the country's clear strategic direction and sustained momentum.

"When you have an understanding of China's longer term development trajectory, you know the progress that has been made decade after decade after decade, that determination to move a country in a very clear developmental path is absolutely astonishing. So taking that energy, how that energy can be transferred to my travels around the world is something that is certainly motivating," he said. (CCTV)




Edited by Azam Khan