(Photo/United Nations)
Governments, international organizations and civil society need to respect nature and to appreciate the beauty of the nature, Zhang noted in reference to the 2017 theme.
"If we are isolated from nature, we cannot feel any happiness. Also if we want to achieve the sustainable development goals, this is a must. We need to go together, with nature, and use the value of natural services," he added.
Zhang also voiced optimism that clean air was achievable in China, as shown during the recent Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, when the skies in the capital were blue for days.
"Recently, there was Belt and Road blue, that means if the measures are appropriate, if implementation is in place, clean air is not a dream. So we very much appreciate the efforts taken by the government."
"Without clean air, people will not have good health, and also, the cost for treatment of health issues caused by air pollution will be very expensive, so addressing air pollution issues will achieve co-benefits both for the environment and people's health." Zhang noted.
To better improve air quality, the Chinese government should establish a good legal system, policy and regulations, he urged. Different groups should also be more engaged in coping with the problem.
"It's not only the efforts taken by the government sector, but also the private sector, the public, the citizens. They all have their law and functions to contribute towards clean air… Clean air is yours, it's others', and it should be shared with every one of us," Zhang said.
