To promote the mutual understanding between China-based UNESCO Category 2 Centers in natural science and Mr. Philippe Pypaert, the newly appointed Natural Sciences Programme Specialist in UNESCO Beijing Office, the roundtable meeting of China-based UNESCO Category 2 Centers in natural science was held in the new-tech park of the Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth (RADI) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the host organization of the UNESCO International Center for Natural and Cultural Heritage Space Technology (HIST).

Mr. Philippe Pypaert and his assistant Ms. Li Ang met with the representatives of the eight China-based UNESCO Category 2 Centers. Mr. N. Ishwaran and Mr. Han Qunli, former Director of the UNESCO Ecological Earth Science Department and former Secretary-General of the Man and Biosphere Programme, also attended the meeting. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Hong Tianhua, Secretary-General of the Alliance of UNESCO Category 2 Centers in China and Executive Deputy Director and Secretary General of HIST.

During the meeting, the Category 2 Centers introduced the progress and achievements of their organizations, and expressed the hope to strengthen cooperation with the UNESCO Beijing Office. Mr. Philippe Pypaert took note of the presentations made by the centers and had a lively discussion with the participants. He applauded the accomplishments of the Category 2 Centers in their respective fields, and encouraged the participants to strengthen cooperation with the coordination of the UNESCO Beijing Office and make even greater contribution to the SDGs in the scientific field. During the meeting, the participants visited the network operation and management system of the ground satellite stations of RADI.

Liu Chang, Director of Division of International Cooperation of the International Knowledge Centre for Engineering Sciences and Technology (IKCEST) and Deputy Secretary-General of the Alliance of UNESCO Category 2 Centers in China, attended the meeting. She gave a brief presentation on the vision, status and philosophy of IKCEST’s development and invited Mr. Philippe Pypaert to visit the center, and take part in its follow-up activities such as international high-end seminars and international science and technology training programs, which received positive response.