CGTN
Heads of international organizations and world leaders and officials sent their Chinese New Year greetings as China welcomes the Year of the Tiger. The Year of the Tiger, according to the Chinese Zodiac, runs from February 1, 2022 to January 21, 2023. In Chinese culture, the tiger symbolizes bravery, vigor and strength that can lift people from adversity and usher in final auspiciousness and peace.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent his Chinese New Year greetings, saying that the characters of the tiger are the qualities the world need today in the face of unprecedented challenges. UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Audrey Azoulay extended Spring Festival greetings to the Chinese people. “I hope that 2022 will be a year of renewal, one in which we can heal the scars left by the global pandemic,” she stressed.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach extended New Year greetings to China, saying that he wishes all Chinese people a happy, successful and prosperous Year of the Tiger.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva congratulated the Chinese people celebrating the New Year. She said the tiger symbolizes strength, vigor also represents wisdom, courage, and these qualities are needed to march forward as the global COVID-19 pandemic is now in its third year. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, and Chairman of British 48 Group Club Stephen Perry also wished the Chinese people a happy New Year.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent his “best wishes to everyone celebrating the Chinese New Year.” Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic wished China and the Chinese people a lot of success and good health in her greetings via CMG.