China presents UN with lunar sample collected from the far side of the Moon
The Moon holds traces of the history of the universe that humanity is only beginning to uncover. Every new sample collected from its surface is not only a valuable scientific resource, but also a reminder that achievements in space exploration can become part of humanity’s shared heritage.
A ceremony was held Monday at the UN Office in Vienna to officially present a lunar sample collected during China’s Chang’e-6 mission. It marked the first time a lunar sample from the far side of the Moon has been presented to the United Nations.
The ceremony was jointly organized by the China National Space Administration, the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, and the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs. More than 400 guests attended, including heads of international organizations based in Vienna and permanent representatives of various countries.
CNSA Administrator Shan Zhongde, Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna Monika Juma, UNOOSA Director Aarti Holla-Maini, and Li Song, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, jointly unveiled the lunar sample, which will be permanently displayed at the UN headquarters in Vienna.
Shan said that China’s presentation of the lunar sample to the United Nations is a concrete step toward implementing the four global initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and strengthening genuine multilateral cooperation. The initiatives are the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative.
China is ready to share the fruits of space exploration with countries around the world, share opportunities and work together to create prosperity, Shan said.
Monika Juma said the permanent display of the lunar sample at the United Nations in Vienna is highly significant. She noted that the sample represents humanity’s scientific and technological creativity and its determination to explore the universe, while also demonstrating China’s support for the United Nations in addressing common challenges.
Aarti Holla-Maini said China’s presentation of the lunar sample, together with the sharing of scientific research data, is a vivid illustration that outer space is the common heritage of all humanity.
“Capable actors can achieve great things, but true leaders share those achievements with the world,” Holla-Maini said, expressing hope that the lunar sample will continue to tell the story of humanity’s exploration of the Moon in Vienna and contribute to the development of global space governance.
As reported by CCTV+, she also stressed that such gestures help ensure that outer space, and the Moon in particular, remain a realm of peace and cooperation for all humanity.
