As the economic boom in China spurs rapid urbanization, it becomes more and more important for China’s businesses to embrace sustainable development.  On Friday, September 21, AmCham Shanghai’s Environmental Committee will host Mr. Kishan Khoday, assistant resident representative and team leader for Energy and Environment at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Beijing for a discussion on sustainable development in China.  Mr. Khoday will discuss why businesses should engage the United Nations on sustainable development and the UNDP's value-add for business.  He will also share examples of UNDP/business engagement in China, UNDP programs on climate change, energy efficiency, biodiversity and environmental governance. 

Over the past 15 years, the UNDP has partnered with the government of China and several other development partners to initiate 16 energy-related projects in China, constituting a US$165 million in direct investment towards the country’s sustainable energy policies and implementation of advanced infrastructure.  From energy sector planning to traditional energy technologies, methods to reduce greenhouse gases and sustainable energy, the UNDP has made valuable contributions in energy planning, policy development, energy efficiency and the promotion of new and renewable energy technologies in China.  The energy-related development services offered in China by UNDP serve to promote sustainable energy policy, energy efficiency, rural energy services, clean energy technologies and access to investment financing for sustainable energy.