Madam Director-General Valovaya, Secretary-General Mumba, Charge d'Affaires Samasuwo, Dear colleagues,

I would like to thank the UNOG, the Convention on Wetlands Secretariat, and the Permanent Mission of Zimbabwe for organizing this briefing, which provides an important platform for Contracting Parties to stay informed about preparations for the upcoming COP15 and to foster better communication and coordination. It is my pleasure, at the invitation of the Zimbabwean Mission, to share China’s experience as Chair of the Standing Committee and host of COP 14 of the Convention.

China has about 56.35 million hectares of wetlands, ranking fourth in the world, and is one of the countries with the most diverse wetland types. In 2021, China passed the Wetlands Protection Law, one of the few national laws worldwide dedicated exclusively to wetland conservation. Through various national protection plans, China has carried out over 3,700 restoration projects, adding more than 1 million hectares of restored wetlands, contributing significantly to global wetland conservation.

Since assuming the chairmanship in 2022, China has adopted a responsible approach, chairing four Standing Committee meetings and actively engaging with the views of all Parties. This has laid a solid foundation for the upcoming COP 15. We have also maintained close communication with the Secretariat and other Parties, sharing progress and experiences. Additionally, China has promoted the establishment of the International Mangrove Center, supporting global sustainable development.

COP14, held in Wuhan, China and Geneva in November 2022, brought together over 950 delegates from 142 Contracting Parties and international organizations. The conference further strengthened global consensus on wetland protection, restoration, and sustainable use. From this experience, we highlight three key points:

First, strong political leadership has provided vital momentum for wetland protection. President Xi Jinping’s video address at the opening ceremony highlighted China’s commitment to global wetland conservation and support for the Convention Secretariat. The COP14 adopted the Wuhan Declaration and the Global Strategic Framework for Wetland Conservation 2025-2030, setting a new vision for the Convention’s future.

Second, China has contributed practical solutions to global wetland governance. As the host country, China proposed key resolutions, including integrating wetlands into national sustainable development strategies and strengthening small wetland protection. The proposal to establish the International Mangrove Center received extensive support and recognition from Contracting Parties.

Third, strong coordination ensured the success of the COP 14. China established a Steering Committee and Executive Committee with 22 ministries and departments, creating a coordinated mechanism at the national, provincial, and municipal levels. This ensured smooth preparation, with over 200 personnel involved in the organizing efforts.

Recently, the Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife of Zimbabwe visited China. We shared our experiences in hosting the COP 14 and discussed progress on the International Mangrove Center and small wetland management. China fully supports Zimbabwe in hosting COP15 and is ready to offer all necessary assistance. I would also like to thank all Contracting Parties for their support during China’s Chairmanship of the Standing Committee.

Dear colleagues,

Wetlands are vital ecosystems on our planet. They are closely linked to water resource conservation, biodiversity, and climate regulation, and serve as a key pillar for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As President Xi Jinping has emphasized, “We should build global consensus on cherishing wetlands, advance the global process of wetland conservation, and enhance the well-being of people through wetlands.” China will continue to work together with all parties to advance the global cause of wetland conservation, making contributions to accelerating progress towards the SDGs and delivering greater benefits to people around the world.

I wish COP15 great success!

Thank you!