NGOs share views on climate change, sustainable development challenges

Representatives from nongovernmental organizations shared their views on coping with climate change and contributing to humanity's sustainable development on Wednesday.

Speaking at a parallel event of the ongoing 50th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, they appealed for civil wisdom in international affairs and global environmental governance.

Dai Jianjun, deputy head of the Beijing NGO Network for International Exchanges, one of the organizers of the event, said that addressing the severe challenge of climate change is a global issue and no country can stand aloof.

"We should respect nature and accept the close connection between environmental rights, survival rights and development rights, which are in line with the fundamental interests of mankind and the only way to achieve sustainable development," he said.

Li Ruohong, chairman of the Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation, a joint organizer, said that finding a proper way to view globalization, health, human culture and the modernization of the atmospheric environment is a challenge to safeguarding human rights.

Exploring a path to the solutions of determining implementation standards and developing financial trade, technological innovation and social services to create an environment of dignity is necessary, he said.

Wang Xiangyi, vice-chairman of the China Association for NGO Cooperation, another organizer, said that one of the environmental rights included in the Human Rights Action Plan of China (2021-25) is to deal with climate change, which concerns details of enhancing the ability to adapt to climate change, and strengthening international cooperation. She hoped that civil wisdom can contribute to the reform and innovation of global climate governance.