Chinese scientist Zhang Xian was elected chair of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development on Monday at the opening of its 29th session in Geneva, Switzerland.

This marks another major breakthrough for Chinese experts in global science and technology governance, highlighting China's growing influence and leadership in international science and technology matters. It also contributes a stronger Chinese impetus to the efforts to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Zhang, who serves as chief scientist at the Administrative Center for Chinas's Agenda 21 of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, has long engaged in strategic research on climate change and low-carbon technology development. He is dedicated to advancing carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies and promoting South-South cooperation in technology transfer.

Established in 1992, the Commission on Science and Technology for Development is a subsidiary body of the UN's Economic and Social Council. The commission focuses on leveraging science, technology and innovation to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It guides international attention to key development issues and promotes global cooperation and capacity building, acting as a crucial platform for dialogue among countries on science and technology.

The commission chair serves a one-year term. The first Chinese to hold the position was Wang Ruijun, then director of the Evaluation Center of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, who was elected chair of the 20th session in 2017.