Editor's note: Lu Jiajun is a researcher at the Academy of Financial Research and Zhejiang International Base for Science & Technology Exchange: Fintech and Big Data Analysis and an assistant professor at Zhejiang University International Business School. Dai Xinzhu is an associate research fellow at Shanghai Advanced School of Finance, Shanghai Jiaotong University, and an adjunct associate professor at Zhejiang University International Business School. The article reflects the authors' opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

As the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary, the world faces mounting challenges, ranging from climate change to development gaps. China, with its vision of ecological civilization and concrete green actions, has offered renewed hope for the UN's future and for humanity's shared destiny.

The UN's 80th anniversary is a historic milestone for humanity's most inclusive multilateral institution. Over the past eight decades, the UN has played a vital role in promoting peace, development, and cooperation. From post-war reconstruction to the launch of the Millennium Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the organization has embodied the shared aspirations of the international community.

Yet, the world today remains far from tranquil. Geopolitical tensions are intensifying, inequality between nations persists, and the climate crisis continues to accelerate. Global governance stands at a crossroads. At this critical juncture, the UN needs renewed commitments and stronger partnerships to deliver hope and direction for the future.

China's presence and leadership provide such a source of hope. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the largest developing country, China has consistently advocated multilateralism, promoted cooperative solutions to global challenges, and advanced the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind. In the field of green development in particular, China has put forward both visionary ideas and concrete actions, making indispensable contributions to the UN's future agenda.

A visionary pathway

China's philosophy of ecological civilization, embodied in the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," has become central to its modernization process and aligns seamlessly with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. China's dual carbon targets reflect not only domestic priorities but also global responsibility. By promoting fairness and justice in the global energy transition, China has emphasized that developing countries' needs must be respected and supported. In doing so, it has provided the world with a principle framework for collective action.

Concrete actions on the ground

China is not only a visionary but also a doer. In the past decade, China has emerged as the global leader in renewable energy investment and deployment. It ranks first in installed capacity for wind and solar power, and its progress in electric vehicles, battery storage, and green technologies is reshaping global supply chains. This transformation has allowed China to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while offering the world replicable pathways for green development.

Beyond its borders, China has advanced green cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative. The establishment of green energy projects, sustainable infrastructure, and green finance mechanisms has helped many partner countries access clean energy and accelerate their own transitions. For numerous developing nations, China's role has been instrumental in turning aspirations for low-carbon development into tangible achievements.

Supplying global public goods

China has also expanded the supply of global public goods in addressing climate change. From pledging to increase the share of non-fossil fuels in its energy mix to launching the South-South Cooperation Fund and providing green technologies to developing countries, China has demonstrated its commitment to sharing resources and opportunities. Its unwavering support for the Paris Agreement and advocacy for stronger UN leadership in climate governance highlight the essential role China plays in sustaining momentum in global negotiations. Simply put, without China's engagement, global progress in green development would be far more limited.

Looking ahead: A shared future

The 80-year journey of the UN reflects humanity's struggle to overcome conflict and pursue cooperation. At this new historical turning point, the world needs solidarity more than ever before. No single country can address challenges such as climate change, energy security, and development gaps in isolation. As China has emphasized, humanity's destiny is shared, and cooperation is the only viable path forward.

Looking toward the next 80 years, China will remain a reliable partner and a proactive force in promoting peace, development, and green transformation. Whether in advancing renewable energy, providing financial and technological support to the Global South, or strengthening multilateral cooperation, China is committed to working with all nations to safeguard the common homeland of humanity.

The UN's eight decades mark a bridge between past achievements and future possibilities. China's green development journey shines as a beacon of hope on this path, pointing the way forward for building a more sustainable, just, and prosperous world. China is willing to work with the international community to turn responsibility into action, vision into reality, and cooperation into a greener future.