Chinese government friendship award winner praises Kunming advantages

My name is Erik Nilsson. I'm from the United States, and I've worked as a China Daily journalist for 15 years. I'm also the youngest winner in history of the Chinese Government Friendship Award, the highest honor the country bestows on foreigners for their contributions to China's development. I'm also proud to be a member of China Daily's Edgar Snow Newsroom, which seeks to tell China's true story to the world.

I'm also excited about the new English-language Kunming website. Kunming is one of my favorite cities not only in China but in the world. I've visited it many times and love it so much. I brought my family there to experience it on a truly memorable holiday. I especially look forward to the website's content related to culture and travel.

Indeed, it's a very scenic city, full of green and flowers, and natural wonders. And it's the capital of China's most ethnically diverse province, meaning there's so much variety in the food, music, customs and the like.

I also look forward to news about the COP 15 and believe Yunnan's biodiversity is one of many respects that makes Kunming an ideal host for this very important event that matters to every person – and every species – on this planet we all share.

This website will enable the world to engage Kunming and Kunming to engage the world. It will help tell the story of Kunming by translating not only across languages but also across cultures. I'd like to offer my sincere congratulations on the establishment of this website and I look forward to visiting it often! Go ahead！