CIDCA vice-chairman addresses sub-forum on modernization of Global South at 2nd high-level conference of Forum on Global Action for Shared Development

The second high-level conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development was held in Beijing from July 11 to 13.

On July 12, Zhao Fengtao, vice-chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), addressed a sub-forum themed "promoting modernization of the Global South: new pathways, new vision".

In his speech, Zhao pointed out that achieving modernization is a common aspiration of people worldwide and the common pursuit of the Global South. During the process of exploring and promoting modernization, the Global South will encounter opportunities and challenges but it possesses the vision, goals and plans to meet these head on, Zhao noted. The collective rise of emerging markets and developing countries, as well as a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, has brought about new opportunities for the modernization of the Global South, Zhao said. He added that the challenges faced by developing countries as a result of geopolitical conflicts and pandemic cannot be disregarded.

Noting that the modernization of the Global South is fundamentally one based on sustainable development, Zhao said that China is ready to work with all parties to hold high the banner of the Global South, jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, accelerate the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and promote coordinated progress in population, resources, environment and economic and social development. Efforts will also be made to expand equitable, open, and cooperative global partnerships, deepen the existing South-South cooperation mechanism, promote mutually beneficial North-South collaboration, share resources, technology and experience, and strive to ensure that "no one is left behind" on the road to modernization, he added.

Hosted by the CIDCA's Global Development Promotion Center, the UN South-South cooperation office and China's University of International Business and Economics, the sub-forum was attended by nearly 400 participants. Close to 20 representatives from government departments and international organizations, as well as experts and scholars from home and abroad held in-depth discussions and reached a broad consensus on topics such as the opportunities, challenges and practical approaches for promoting the modernization of the Global South.