Climate change and the rapid loss of biodiversity are common environmental challenges facing the world. NGOs play an important role on the stage of global environmental governance. How do Chinese NGOs participate in global environmental governance, how do they participate in international cooperation in the field of climate change, and how do they invite international organizations to come into China and work together? On June 24, Dr. Zhou Jinfeng, the Secretary-General of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) shared the experience of the Foundation in the process of international cooperation by exploring the practice of “going out”. He also shared the views of CBCGDF on such issues as “how to recognize the influence of NGOs in the field of climate change and sustainable development” and “how to achieve such influence”.

Dr. Zhou said that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play an extremely important role in international policy and international affairs. From the concept generation to promotion and formation, many of them are from NGOs, including in some international negotiations. Therefore, NGOs have really played an important complementary and indispensable role.

In general, Chinese NGOs have been weak in participating in international cooperation due to various reasons such as history, language, culture, and financial constraints. However, through the practice of the CBCGDF for five years, we deeply understand that the role of NGOs in international politics and international trends has become increasingly prominent. In particular, human beings have now entered the era of ecological civilization from the era of industrial civilization. Under the background of "building a global ecological civilization", it is even more necessary for social organizations to "going out" and to actively participate in international activities and affairs, effectively help China become a global important participant, contributor, and leader of ecological civilization construction.

Dr. Zhou said: "for example, on June 11, I participated in the Swedish Government High-level Round Table Forum, which invited 20 prominent policymakers around the world to explore key factors influencing the achievement of global climate and sustainable development goals around food system change. Vice-presidents, ministers of several countries and leaders of several important United Nations conventions attended the forum. At the meeting, I introduced the situation of our country, the concept of ecological civilization construction in our country, and the work of the CBCGDF, which made the CBCGDF known internationally. At the same time, I’m also calling on President Xi's thought of ecological civilization, which played a significant role in the image, cooperation and future work of our government and non-government aspects. In the final open dialogue, the sponsor also gave our NGO a special position.

Similarly, in December 2018, representatives of the CBCGDF went to Poland to attend a series of side meetings of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, the "China Corner". At the meeting, we shared the efforts and achievements of NGOs in the field of climate change in China. The chairmen and ambassadors are willing to listen to us. Also, at this meeting, the head of our delegation met with Mr. Xie Zhenhua, China's Special Representative for Climate Change. Finally, Mr. Xie invited the CBCGDF to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP25), which is scheduled to be held in November 2019. Many people have seen the differences between NGOs and governments in China. NGOs have their own unique circles in related fields, which deserve great attention. At present, we received great attention to every Polish Climate Conference, EAT and CBD meeting.

Dr. Zhou stressed that these are proof of the international community's respect and desire for Chinese NGOs. We have talked specifically to ministers and ambassadors about policy and about a "coordinated" approach. Does this "coordinated" approach mean that what is the focus of international attention? What do we need to say to get involved? To mention pesticides. Or Food Waste? Or Climate Change? That's where we start.

Dr. Zhou concluded: "we are increasingly receiving the attention of the international community. The issues we are concerned about have formed a very high voice, consensus, and influence. In this context, we also wish to raise our hopes. "

First, it is hoped to get more support from all aspects of our country, such as funding. A lot of NGOs in China have a hard time going out, largely because of a lack of funding. We have participated in many international conferences and events, published many influential articles and opinions, met many important government representatives and leaders and so on, but have not received financial support from the relevant parties.

Of course, with limited funds, we are still actively exploring the "going out" model of high efficiency and innovation. We're used to getting the most out of every penny, buying the cheapest airfare and sometimes staying a few extra hours at the airport to save on a night at the hotel. In staffing, we are trying to use the smallest possible people, for the greatest effect. For example, when the CBCGDF participates in international conferences, it usually goes to 1-2 people, and at the same time it tries to hold at least one or two side conferences and innovative through the "Green Aid" system and the participation of young people to tell the good stories of China, to spread ecological civilization. Many international people have chance to know China's environmental governance on the courage and responsibility through our understanding of the ecological civilization.

Second, it is hoped to be supported by the program of action. The relevant departments lacked a consistent attitude of communication before and after the meeting. If the participating NGOs and government representatives can fully communicate before the meeting, fully express themselves at the meeting, and sum up the improvement together after the meeting, then it will be of great help to the process of promoting China's Global Governance, and the effect will be much better.

(This article is based on oral presentation, without the speaker's verification.)

(Photo credit: CBCGDF)

Original Chinese article:

http://www.cbcgdf.org/NewsShow/4854/9105.html

By / Xue Tongtong