VIENNA, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- China officially donated a lunar sample collected by the Chang'e-6 mission to the UN at a handover ceremony on Monday at the United Nations in Vienna, marking the first time that a lunar sample from the far side of the moon has been presented to the organization.
The ceremony was jointly held by the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Vienna, and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). More than 400 guests, including heads of international organizations in Vienna and permanent representatives of various countries, attended the ceremony.
CNSA Administrator Shan Zhongde, the United Nations Office at Vienna Director-General Monica Juma, UNOOSA Director Aarti Holla-Maini, and China's Permanent Representative to the UN and Other International Organizations in Vienna Li Song jointly unveiled the lunar sample, which will be permanently displayed at the UN headquarters in Vienna.
Exploring the vast universe is a shared dream and an enduring pursuit of humanity, Shan said in his remarks, noting that Chinese President Xi Jinping has pointed out that the Chang'e lunar missions belong to both China and all people in the world.
China's handover of the lunar sample collected by Chang'e-6 to the United Nations is a concrete action to put into practice the four major global initiatives proposed by Xi, fully implement the new development philosophy featuring innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared growth, uphold true multilateralism, safeguard the authority and role of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space as the main platform for global space governance, and advance the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Shan said.
China is ready to share the fruits of space development with countries around the world, share opportunities and create prosperity together, so that advances in space science and technology can better benefit people of all countries, he said.
China will work with all countries to advance the peaceful exploration of outer space and better contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity, Shan added.
Juma said the Vienna multilateral platform has a unique character that brings together science and diplomacy.
The permanent display of the lunar sample at the United Nations in Vienna is of great significance, she said, adding that the sample represents humanity's scientific and technological creativity and determination to explore the universe, while demonstrating China's support for the United Nations in addressing common challenges.
Holla-Maini said China's handover of the lunar sample and sharing of scientific research data are a perfect illustration that outer space is a common domain of all humanity.
She expressed hope that the lunar sample would continue to tell the story in Vienna of humanity's exploration of the moon and contribute to advancing global governance of outer space.
During the event, Li said the event demonstrated China's commitment to working with all parties to firmly uphold the role of the United Nations, improve global governance of outer space and ensure that the benefits of space exploration and development reach all humanity. ■
