On 8 December, the Board Meeting of UN Environment-Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development (IESD) 2016 was successfully held in Beijing. The Board Meeting was chaired by Prof. Wang Guangtao, Chairman of IESD Board. Prof. Wan Gang, Honorary Chairman of the Board, Minister of Science and Technology of China and Mr. Erik Solheim, UN Under-Secretary-General and UN Environment Executive Director delivered the welcome remarks.

Minister Wan Gang stated in his speech that IESD has made substantial progress in promoting South-South cooperation in the past years, with the main focus on urban environment and education for sustainable development. It is especially mentioned that human beings are the most critical factor for sustainable development, and it is particularly important to cultivate young talents with the concept of sustainable development for the future. Therefore, the education work in IESD is of great significance and it is expected that IESD can continue to play the active role and to make more outstanding contributions with the guidance of China’s One Belt and One Road Initiative and National 13th Five-year Plan.

Mr. Solheim stressed that Tongji University is the strategic partner of the UN Environment, and science and technology plays an increasingly prominent role relying on universities and institutes. He hopes to strengthen the collaboration with Tongji University to promote and mainstream the environmental policy in universities, countries and wider disseminations.

Prof. Li Fengting, Executive Deputy Dean of IESD, made the IESD work report 2016. This year, under the guidance and support of UNEP, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Ministry of Commerce, China Meteorological Administration and Xinhua News Agency, IESD has actively implemented the decisions of last year's Board Meeting and made great progress in the aspects of urban environment, education for sustainable development in higher education, and South-South cooperation, etc. Prof. Wang Guangtao, Chairman of the IESD Board, fully affirmed the achievements and work plan undertaken by IESD, and reflected the resolution of the Board Meeting last year with great endeavors to promote IESD to become the UN Environment Think Tank in the two tracks of urban environment and ESD.

On behalf of Tongji University, President Zhong Zhihua awarded Mr. Erik Solheim as honorary professor of Tongji University. This has also become a new starting point for reinforcing the collaboration between UN Environment and China, and Tongji University in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development.

At the same time, the ceremony of IESD new board member was held at the board meeting. Mr. Erik Solheim, UN Environment Executive Director was invited to be the Honorary Chairman of IESD Board, and Mr. Richard Northcote, Chief Sustainability Officer of Covestro AG to be the IESD board member.