International: Recently, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Yasmin Fuad gave an exclusive interview to China Global Television Network (CGTN), a division of China Media Group (CMG), in Beijing.

In the interview, she praised Chinese President Xi Jinping’s concept that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets,” saying that long-term and unwavering political will and commitment are essential for achieving outstanding results through any governance initiative. In recent years, the area of deserts and sandy land in China has continued to decline, making the country one of the clearest examples on a large scale of efforts to prevent and reverse land degradation. The world can learn from China’s experience, she said. This includes land restoration projects, cultural heritage, identity, development models based on the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature, and the process of learning from experience.

She said China has carried out land restoration on a large scale. This is also one of the major components of land restoration efforts undertaken under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. China can play a leading role within the framework of South-South cooperation, she added.

She further said that some countries have integrated artificial intelligence technologies with their established early warning systems. Ways must be found to address the challenges associated with this development. In addition, she said, “We are willing to cooperate with China in the fields of artificial intelligence and combating desertification.”

Source: Cai-Alim-Wang Haiman, China Media Group.