Director-General's remarks at the Cultural Activity event "Qinghai Province"

Qinghai: Home for Multiple Ethnic Groups Where Nature and Culture Thrive Together
Monday, 22 June 2026 at 4.00 p.m.
Room XVI, Palais des Nations

Ambassador Jia [H.E. Mr. JIA Guide, Permanent Representative of China]
Your Excellency Governor Luo [H.E. Mr. LUO Dongchuan, Governor of Qinghai Province]  
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to join you today for this event dedicated to “Qinghai: Home for Multiple Ethnic Groups Where Nature and Culture Thrive Together.”

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency Ambassador Jia Guide and to the Permanent Mission of China for bringing attention to this unique province of China.

Located in the northwestern part of the country, Qinghai is an ecologically vital region, often referred to as a “water tower”, due to its role as the source of major rivers such as the Yangtze, the Yellow River and the Lancang. Its vast landscapes — including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, wetlands, and lakes — support rich yet fragile ecosystems. The region reminds us of the importance of responsible environmental stewardship, fully aligned with global efforts under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to climate action and biodiversity.

Like many ecologically sensitive regions, Qinghai also faces the challenge of balancing conservation with sustainable development. Its experience illustrates the complexity of protecting fragile ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods and resilience of local communities.

At the same time, Qinghai is a vibrant mosaic of cultures. The Zang, Hui, Tu, Sala and Mongolian communities, among others, have long lived in the region, contributing to its diverse and interconnected cultural traditions. Their traditions reflect a close relationship with nature and underscore the value that cultural diversity can bring to societies.

Qinghai demonstrates how environmental protection and cultural diversity can be closely interconnected. Traditional knowledge, sustainable practices, and community engagement all contribute to preserving ecosystems while strengthening social cohesion. These are themes that resonate strongly in Geneva, particularly at the intersection of environment, culture, and sustainable development.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Qinghai provides an example of efforts to advance sustainability and inclusion in parallel. It reminds us that progress in these areas is most effective when it is grounded in balance  — between environmental protection and development, and between cultural heritage and modernisation.

These experiences are of interest to the international community as we collectively work toward the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. By drawing on diverse regional perspectives and sharing lessons learned, we can strengthen our common efforts to advance a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Thank you.