"Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the extraordinary Ordos region. I witnessed remarkable achievements in social, economic, and ecological restoration, which set an inspiring example for global efforts to combat land degradation, desertification, and desert expansion," said Amina Mohammed, deputy secretary-general of the United Nations (UN), in a video address at the opening ceremony of the 9th Kubuqi International Desert Forum, which was held on Aug 25-27 in Ordos, Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

Amina Mohammed, deputy secretary-general of the UN, delivers a video address at the opening ceremony. [Photo/Nuan news]

Siddharth Chatterjee, UN resident coordinator in China, mentioned in an interview that Inner Mongolia exceeded his expectations in many aspects. He expressed great pleasure in observing such a sustainable development model in Inner Mongolia and noted that other cities worldwide could learn from Ordos. The Kubuqi Desert's desertification control serves as an excellent example, demonstrating how to greenify a desert and integrate desert management with people's lives. The Kubuqi model shows that deserts can not only be managed but also generate wealth, and he hopes to bring more UN representatives to China to explore Inner Mongolia.

"Ordos' Kubuqi desertification control is the world's leading case. You have achieved a miracle and inspired the world. We can learn a lot from the Kubuqi experience," he added.

Erik Solheim gives a keynote speech at the 9th Kubuqi International Desert Forum. [Photo/Nuan news]

On Aug 27, 2023, Erik Solheim, former under-secretary-general of the UN and former executive director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), gave a keynote speech at the forum. He stated that the management of the Kubuqi Desert has brought about many development opportunities related to solar energy, water conservation, and ecological tourism, and that the Kubuqi desertification control experience should serve as a global model to be emulated.