Wang Yi Attends the Launch of the Global Development Report

On June 20, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended and addressed the launch of the Global Development Report via video link in Beijing.

Wang Yi stressed, development is an eternal theme of humanity and a major yardstick of the progress of times. At the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in 2015, President Xi Jinping pointed out that to the people of all countries, development bears on their survival and hope and symbolizes their dignity and rights. At the Summit, leaders around the world unanimously adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, drawing a blueprint of actions for global development and charting a new course for international development cooperation.

Wang Yi said, thanks to our joint efforts, the cause of global development has made encouraging progress. But it also faces unprecedented challenges brought about by the changes unseen in a century. The global pandemic, regional conflicts, major-power rivalry, backlash against globalization and other complicated factors are intertwining with each other. Global poverty reduction is gravely frustrated. Development is getting more and more marginalized on the international agenda. Assistance obligations by developed countries are far from being fulfilled. And there is a huge shortfall in global development resources. The outlook of attaining the SDGs as scheduled is not that optimistic. At this historical juncture, President Xi Jinping, bearing in mind the well-being of the entire humanity, proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI) at the United Nations. Aiming at building a global community of development, the GDI gives priority to development, puts people at the center, and seeks to expedite the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and to promote stronger, greener and healthier global development. The Initiative, upon its introduction, has been warmly received and strongly supported by more than 100 countries.

Wang Yi said, the GDI is a rallying call to galvanize greater attention on development and bring it back to the center of the international agenda. It offers a "fast track" to promote development, as well as an effective platform for all parties to coordinate development policies and deepen practical cooperation. It provides strong boost to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, as well as an impetus to pool resources, address difficulties holding back development and promote greater coordination and efficiency. This week, President Xi Jinping will chair the High-level Dialogue on Global Development. He will be joined by leaders of emerging markets and developing countries in a discussion on global development to reinvigorate international cooperation on development.

Wang Yi said, China places high importance on common development. We are among the first to adopt a national plan on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. We have released multiple progress reports, sharing unreservedly with the world China's philosophies, initiatives and wisdom. The Global Development Report issued by the Center for International Knowledge on Development (CIKD) today reviews the progress on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and existing challenges. It underscores that the international community should be more focused on development cooperation and on building global partnerships, embrace the digital and green transformation, and strive for common, sustainable development for humanity. Drawing on the useful experience in China and other countries, the Report also lays out policy recommendations in eight aspects for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. This is an important step to deliver on the GDI, which will provide useful reference for countries to pursue development as well as intellectual support for global development. China is a consistent advocate for global development cooperation. We will stay committed to true multilateralism and an open and inclusive spirit of partnership, and actively share development expertise and experience. We are ready to work with all parties to implement the GDI, step up efforts to advance the 2030 Agenda, and build a global community of development.

The CIKD held the launch of the first edition of the Global Development Report on the day in an online and offline format. Envoys and senior diplomats from nearly 20 countries including Algeria, Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, Ghana, Moldova, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Senegal, South Africa, Thailand, Türkiye and Uruguay, Resident Coordinator of the UN Development System to China, representatives of the UN development agencies and international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, the UN Industrial Development Organization, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the South Centre and the International Committee of the Red Cross, and representatives of think tanks and enterprises from home and abroad attended the launch.