Remarks by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi At the Launch of the Global Development Report

Colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to join you at today's event. Congratulations to the Center for International Knowledge on Development (CIKD) on launching the first Global Development Report. 

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. 

Seven years have passed fairly quickly, and we are approaching the halftime in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. 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. And over 800 million people still live in extreme poverty. What is more worrisome is that 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. 

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.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

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 CIKD today reviews the progress on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and existing challenges. It underscores that in the face of the major changes and the pandemic both unseen in a century, 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.

One can only travel far by keeping in mind the journey of the past. As the largest developing country, China is a consistent advocate for global development cooperation. We will stay committed to true multilateralism and an open and inclusive spirit of partnership, actively share development expertise and experience, and work with all parties to implement the GDI, step up efforts to advance the 2030 Agenda, and build a global community of development.  

Thank you.