To IMCC's partners and friends,

It is one of the most disastrous year in the history of the mankind in 2020. In this year, the human dignity and well beings have encountered the biggest challenge.

In this darkest moment, the International Mayors Communication Centre (IMCC) has witnessed the tragedy of death and separation caused by the pandemic. IMCC has also seen people all around the world supporting each other and numerous medical staff trying their best to save those infected regardless of their own safety. On 25 January, IMCC organized five global teams to purchase personal protective equipment for Chinese medical staff. 

On 24 February, IMCC participated in the on-line preparation for the second "World Sustainable Development Forum"(WSDF). In the early days of outbreak of the Covid-19 when Wuhan was urgently locked down. Shenzhen and other major cities were also locked down and people had to stay at home. It was extremely difficult to keep on our plan to hold the high-end forum attended by twenty five presidents and former presidents, NGO leaders, business leaders and youth leaders. It was more difficult than bare-handed landing on the moon. 

However, at this moment, it became extremely urgent and imperative to hold the Second “World Sustainable Development Forum" to call on the young people from all over the world to become the leading force in climate action. The Secretary of the Council, Dr. Ash Pachauri stick to the original plan to hold the Forum in Durango, Mexico. In the darkest period of mankind, we need to call on people from all over the world to join in together with the banner of righteousness to find the way of hope.

On 25 February, a video "We Are All Soldiers" edited by Liu Jie, a Shenzhen young lady was put on the social media headlines, with more than 200 million people viewing the video. When I saw this video, I tried every means to find Liu Jie. When I finally contacted with her, I expressed my willingness to work with to make another video about how the world supported China to fight against the pandemic. On behalf of IMCC, the video "Thank You, the World" was displayed at the Second World Sustainable Development Forum. When the video was over, all the political leaders and 1900 attendees stood up in silence. They did not applause, but many of them had tears in their eyes. They were deeply moved by the video. They paid a solemn tribute to the leaders and people from all over the wolrd for their boundless humanity when facing the pandemic! At that moment, people's hearts were linked together regardless of their political views, nation or race. Love becomes one kind of power rising and spreading...

Only thirteen hours before the Forum, Huawei in Mexico decided to sponsor the teleconference equipment, which made sure Ban Ki Moon, the former Secretary General of the United Nations was able to made the on-line speech from his office in Seoul. In the worst situation caused by the Covid-19, Huawei supported WSDF and IMCC with its equipment to successfully hold the international high-end forum. Huawei created another legend of turning crisis into opportunity.

Dr. Ash Pachauri has initiated a series of events on protecting the ocean and the earth since he successfully accomplished the Second World Sustainable Development Forum. During 1-5 December, the second Youth-led Climate Action Festival was held with its goal of lighting up 1.8 billion young people in the world. The Festival had a total number of forty-four events worldwide, with fifteen international political leaders participating in dialogue with young people. There were seventy-five countries participating in the Festival with over half million media reach.

"Green City (Shenzhen) Public Service Co., Ltd. (GCPS)" of IMCC, participated in the event with HCCFF as a partner. HCCFF displayed its achievements in climate action documentaries. The OGCLab’s Wechat subscription published articles about 169 goals of SDGs. It has published articles with cases of the first thirty goals, demonstrating the sustainable development of governments, enterprises and schools in various countries.

In 2020, IMCC has never stopped its paces even facing the pandemic. We are marching towards to 2021 just like a strong man cutting through the thorns. At this very moment, I would like to thank all the medical staff fighting against the Covid-19 and all partners participating in improving climate change. You are heroes! Your bravery has lighted up the world with hopes. Your efforts has inspired the whole world. It is our great honor and faith to move forward with you. 

When the New Year bell rings in 2021:

Let's make a new year's wish and devote ourselves to healing the trauma of the earth, protecting the earth for our children and grandchildren!

I wish and firmly believe that the sun rising in 2021 will light up our way forward.

Jin Lan, Executive Director of the IMCC from Shenzhen China, wish you happy new year! 

1/1/2021