International diplomats issued a Joint Statement on Ecological Civilization on World Environment Day on Monday, urging countries and regions worldwide to "reinvigorate the global partnership for sustainable development, pursue harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, and enhance the global ecological and environmental resilience."

International diplomats pose for a photo at a public welfare event for eco-environmental protection in southwestern China's Guizhou province on June 5, 2023. [Photo by Zhang Jiaqi/China.org.cn]

Over 20 diplomats from 19 countries and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization took part in the public welfare event for eco-environmental protection on June 5 during a five-day visit to southwestern China's Guizhou province.

"We should join hands in providing stronger leadership, more resources, and smarter solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, and work toward environmental, economic and social sustainability in a holistic approach," the statement said.

The visit was jointly organized by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies under China International Communications Group and Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions.

Yu Yunquan, president of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, presides over a public welfare event for eco-environmental protection in southwestern China's Guizhou province on June 5, 2023. [Photo by Zhang Jiaqi/China.org.cn]

Yu Yunquan, president of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, remarked during the event that its location - the picturesque Huawu village along the scenic Wujiang River, emblematic of China's beautiful countryside - added profound significance, particularly as the event took place on World Environment Day.

"The trip aims to build a bridge of international communication so that diplomats can get to know China better through an immersive and interactive experience of the country's ecological endeavors, rural revitalization, the path toward modernization, and beyond," Yu said during an interview on Tuesday.

In another interview on Tuesday, Li Li, director general of Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions, said that the statement represents the commitment of both China and the international community to advancing ecological progress, a message of great significance to Guizhou, China and the world.

A Joint Statement on Ecological Civilization made by international diplomats in southwestern China's Guizhou province on June 5, 2023, is printed on a board at the event venue in Huawu village. [Photo by Zhang Jiaqi/China.org.cn]

To further promote environmental protection and call for global participation, the diplomats, alongside Chinese officials, planted 13 osmanthus trees for the International Ecological Forest for Friendship.

International diplomats plant osmanthus trees for the International Ecological Forest for Friendship in southwestern China's Guizhou province on June 5, 2023. [Photo by Zhang Jiaqi/China.org.cn]

In recent years, Guizhou has been increasing its greenery coverage and protecting its eco-environment while maintaining economic growth. From 2012 to 2022, Guizhou afforested approximately 3.58 million hectares of land, while transforming 1.13 million hectares of former farmland into forested areas.

In 2022, the province's forest coverage reached 62.81%, and its green economy accounted for 46% of its GDP, up from 37% in 2017. This figure is projected to grow to 50% by 2025, according to the local government's plan.

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