NAIROBI, Kenya (Xinhua) — The interim secretariat to manage the China-Africa Environmental Cooperation Centre was launched on Friday at the United Nations Office in Nairobi.

Joyce Msuya, deputy executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), said the China-Africa Environment Cooperation Centre, when operational, will revitalise inclusive and green growth in Africa.

“The centre is a platform for south-south cooperation to protect our environment and boost China-Africa cooperation,” Msuya remarked, adding that the centre will boost Africa’s quest for economic prosperity which is ecologically sensitive.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Sun Baohong, senior Kenyan officials, and members of the diplomatic corps witnessed the launch of the Interim Secretariat for the China-Africa Environmental Cooperation Centre.

It is hoped that the centre will act as a hub for capacity building and sharing of best practices between China and African countries, to advance UN 2030 goals linked to the environment.

Sun revealed that China has already allocated US$1 million to support key operations of the centre that will serve as a hub for environmental policy interaction and dialogue, training and capacity building.

Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment Li Ganjie, in a congratulatory letter read on his behalf by Liu Ning, deputy permanent representative to the UNEP, said China is committed to helping Africa realise green aspirations.

“China will share with African friends the concepts and experiences in our ecological progress and environmental protection, promote mutual communication and cooperation, and jointly address global environmental challenges,” said Li.

Beyene Russom, the dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, said he was optimistic that the China-Africa Environment Cooperation cCentre will catalyse green development in the continent.