UN Official praises SZ's vibrant role in green transition

Riccardo Mesiano, deputy director and senior economic affairs officer at the U.N. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) East and North-East Asia Office, lauded Shenzhen’s dynamic role in advancing low-carbon development, describing the city as “a place where technology, policy, and innovation come together in a visible, living example of green transition.”

Riccardo Mesiano (L) poses for a photo with Zachariah Sean Mills from Shenzhen Daily at the Shenzhen International Low-Carbon City in Longgang District on Oct. 28. Liu Xudong

“When I stepped into the forum this morning, I immediately felt the vibrant energy here,” Mesiano said. “There was a mix of technical knowledge, political will, and local innovation — a combination that’s very hard to find elsewhere. Even just driving through the city, you can see the low-carbon transformation taking shape. The forum truly embodies the spirit of Shenzhen.”

Mesiano emphasized that cities like Shenzhen are at the frontlines of global decarbonization, accounting for over 70% of global emissions but also serving as engines of innovation. “It’s all about cities,” he said. “And Shenzhen has shown how local leadership, public-private partnerships, and technology-driven solutions can work together to accelerate the transition.”

He pointed to Shenzhen’s pioneering efforts in electric mobility, green finance, and smart urban management as examples of how technology and governance can align to deliver sustainable outcomes. “What makes Shenzhen’s experience especially valuable,” he noted, “is its integrated model — combining strong political leadership, partnership with the private sector, and a culture of innovation. These are exactly the elements we try to promote through ESCAP’s regional networks.”

Mesiano stressed that regional cooperation remains at the heart of ESCAP’s mission, especially as East and North-East Asian countries seek to meet climate goals while sustaining economic growth.

Addressing the balance between growth and sustainability, Mesiano underscored that climate goals must be achieved without compromising economic and social progress.

When asked how Shenzhen could further leverage its industrial strength and global visibility, Mesiano pointed to the importance of policy coherence between local and central governments and active international engagement.

“Shenzhen needs to promote its model abroad — not just within China,” he said. “By joining more international forums and deepening dialogue with the central government, it can become a real promoter of its own success story.”

Mesiano called the Shenzhen Low-Carbon Forum a powerful reflection of the city’s energy and ambition.

“This is a great forum — full of energy, ideas, and concrete progress,” he said. “Its organization, from finance to value chains, creates the perfect conditions for success. What we’re seeing here perfectly reflects Shenzhen itself — vibrant, connected, and forward-looking. ”