Exclusive interview: UNESCO official on science diplomacy, future of global cooperation

In a world defined by climate change, accelerating biodiversity loss, and complex geopolitical challenges, the need for a unified approach to global sustainability has never been more urgent.

To confront these pressing issues, the UNESCO World Congress of Biosphere Reserves is being held in China, bringing together voices from across the globe.

In this exclusive interview, CGTN's Yang Zhao sits down with Lidia Brito, UNESCO's assistant director-general for natural sciences, who shares a compelling vision for overcoming these challenges. Brito emphasizes that these crises are not isolated events but are deeply interconnected, making a fragmented response insufficient.

She highlights the foundational role of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), describing it not just as a conservation effort, but as a practical, science-based model designed to bring people and nature together in a harmonic relationship. The MaB network, through its biosphere reserves, demonstrates how communities can find a dynamic balance between protecting pristine ecosystems and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.

Brito argues that true progress requires recognizing the value of both scientific data and indigenous knowledge from local communities. Furthermore, she stresses the necessity of multilateralism and international cooperation, noting that global problems, like climate change, affect us all and demand a collective, united solution.

Watch the full interview to understand how this integrated model of science, community and policy is paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for our planet.