by Christine Laga
NAIROBI, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- The concept of ecological civilization espoused by China will stabilize the world order that has endured tremors linked to rise of populism in the West as well as climate change, conflicts, economic slowdown and terrorism, a Kenyan scholar said on Sunday.
Peter Kagwanja, the CEO of a Nairobi-based pan African think-tank, Africa Policy Institute said that Beijing's ecological civilization presents a viable safeguard against political, social, economic and ecological disruptions blighting the modern world.
"What started off as China's new blue print for an "ecological civilization" is fast morphing into a new paradigm to address uncertainties in the beleaguered liberal international order," said Kagwanja in a commentary published by the Sunday Nation daily.
China has in recent times promoted ecological civilization as a model of pursuing a peaceful and environmentally conscious development.
Kagwanja noted that this concept re-invigorated a global conversation on the need to embrace a socially and ecologically sensitive form of economic development.
The former Kenyan government advisor on Nov. 16 delivered a keynote speech at an international think-tank symposium titled "The 19th CPC National Congress: Implications for China and the World" held in Beijing.
Kagwanja emphasized that China's socialist model is gradually refashioning the global order against a backdrop of shrinking influence from the west.
"Today, China sees itself as blazing a new trail for other developing countries. Its model, a fine blend of market reform and democratic centralism, is held as a model of social unity," said Kagwanja.
He added that China's ecological civilization has gained global appeal, thanks to its ability to strengthen bonds of friendship, unleash shared prosperity and accelerate low carbon development.
