Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court (SPC) of China, met with a delegation headed by Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in Beijing on Aug 29.

Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court (SPC) of China, meets with a delegation headed by Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in Beijing on Aug 29, 2023. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

Zhang, also China's chief justice, welcomed the group on their visit. He said that with the strong support of the UNEP, China has achieved significant progress in the protection of environment and resources in recent years.

Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people are enjoying the dividends of green and sustainable development, he said.

Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court (SPC) of China, meets with a delegation headed by Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in Beijing on Aug 29, 2023. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

Zhang reviewed their bilateral cooperation in recent years and briefly introduced China's environment-related judicial work. The number of cases on environment and resources has increased compared with previous years, indicating that the whole of society is becoming more and more aware of environmental protection, he said. Chinese courts will continue to adopt a people-centered approach and strengthen trial work related to environment and resources in a bid to safeguard a sound ecological environment, which is the most inclusive form of welfare for the people, and will contribute to the joint building of a clean and beautiful world and a community with a shared future for mankind, he added. He also raised hope that both sides will fully leverage the UNEP platform to seek happiness for all mankind and jointly protect our global village.

Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court (SPC) of China, meets with a delegation headed by Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in Beijing on Aug 29, 2023. [Photo/court.gov.cn]

Andersen lauded China's achievements in environmental protection, saying that China's rich experience in the protection of natural resources, as well as in dealing with pollution and climate issues is of great significance and serves as a reference to other countries. She hoped that both sides will take this meeting as an opportunity to further strengthen exchanges in environment-related rule of law, share useful  judicial practices in this area, cultivate more professional talents, and jointly promote global ecological and environmental governance.