On March 17, 2023, UNEP-IEMP received Mrs. Sonja Leighton-Kone, Director of UNEP Cooperate Services Division, for her first mission to UNEP-IEMP.

Mrs. Sonja Leighton-Kone was warmly welcomed by the UNEP-IEMP team, UNEP China Office, and representatives from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the host institution. With a joint review of the work at UNEP-IEMP, Mrs. Sonja Leighton-Kone emphasized the foundational role of science in UNEP and appreciated UNEP-IEMP`s role in bridging science-based solutions for local people and policy makers. The team was encouraged to think globally and act locally for delivering better solutions, and further enhance partnerships to respond to the calls from the UNEP member states. She also highly valued the solution-oriented work at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Mr. Zhuang Yan, Director at the International Cooperation Bureau of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, expressed warm appreciation for this long-term cooperation with UNEP through the joint endeavor of UNEP-IEMP. There was also a warm discussion session for enhancing linkage between the work of UNEP-IEMP and UNEP Headquarters.