Shigang Zhang

Shigang, was born in Beijing and has over 30 years of extensive experience in green development, environmental governance and South-South Cooperation. He is leading the coordination and implementation of South-South cooperation activities and UN Environment’s engagement on the Belt and Road initiative. Prior to his appointment, Shigang headed UN Environment Country Office in Beijing where he led the high-level dialogue with the Chinese Government for mobilizing support to UN Environment’s portfolio including the China Trust Fund.

Shigang was in charge of developing the first Country Strategy on China, facilitated development and implementation of agreements with government authorities, think tanks, academia, businesses, civil society organizations and the media. He was also instrumental in the creation of the International Coalition on Green Development of the Belt and Road. As the Chair of UN China Thematic Group on Climate Change and Environment, Shigang led the UN’s joint efforts on climate resilience, environmental sustainability and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in China.

Prior to that, he held a number of senior positions in the Chinese government. This included being the Acting Director General of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Deputy Permanent Representative of China to UN Environment.