China pledges $6m to support South-South climate co-op efforts

More than 100,000 people march through midtown Manhattan Sept 21, 2014, as part of the People's Climate March, a worldwide mobilization calling on world leaders meeting at the UN to commit to urgent action on climate change and 100% clean energy in New York. [Photo/IC]

UNITED NATIONS -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli said here Monday that Beijing will offer $6 million to support UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in promoting South-South cooperation on climate change.

Zhang, who is here to attend Tuesday's UN Climate Summit as Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy, made the pledge in a meeting with Ban.

Zhang stressed that China appreciates UN leader's proposal to hold the UN Climate Summit, adding that the summit would have an important and positive influence on the international cooperation in dealing with climate change.

The Chinese government and Chinese leaders attach great importance to the issue of climate change as well as the role of the UN in tackling the issue, Zhang added.

Noting that the UN will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its establishment next year, the Chinese presidential envoy suggested that by taking the advantage of the event, the international community should work for enhancing multilateralism, defending the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, and safeguarding the post-WWII world order.

Meanwhile, countries should uphold the principles of growth, inclusiveness and cooperation and ensure that the UN's post-2015 development agenda will be adopted next year, which is aimed at eradicating poverty and realizing common development, Zhang said.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the largest developing country, China will continue to work for multilateralism and boost its cooperation with the UN, Zhang pointed out.

Ban appreciated China's support for the UN and praised China's active efforts and remarkable achievements in tackling the global threat.

Ban spoke highly of China's role in dealing with the Ebola epidemic, and other hotspot issues such as those in afghanistan and South Sudan.

Before their meeting, the pair participated in a ceremony during which China donated a global land cover dataset at 30-meter resolution to the world body to help the international community fight climate challenges.