2nd high-level conference of Forum on Global Action for Shared Development successfully concludes

The second high-level conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development was held in Beijing from July 11 to 13. Hosted by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), the conference had the theme of "Promoting sustainable development: Continuous actions for a better future", and included five sub-forums: "Promoting modernization of the Global South– new pathways, new vision", "Dialogue on innovative approaches to accelerating sustainable development, country, regional and global action for a better future", "Energy transition and sustainable development", "Multi-sector engagement in international development cooperation– enabling global growth through sustainable partnership", and "Shared global youth responsibilities in the digital era".

The conference was on a larger scale to the first session, which was held last year, with wider representation and more deliverables. Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, held a group meeting with international participants. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a keynote speech at the event, while CIDCA Chairman Luo Zhaohui delivered opening and closing remarks.

The Prime Minister of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai, President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel, President of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister of Egypt Mostafa Madbouly, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina J Mohammed, and former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon attended the conference or delivered addresses via video link. Nearly 2,000 representatives from more than 160 countries, international organizations and other institutions attended the meeting, either in person or virtually.

The attendees agreed that true multilateralism must be upheld in order to realize the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).They concurred that the Global Development Initiative (GDI) is an initiative of shared development between the Global South and Global North, and that the modernization of the Global South is a major driving force in realizing global sustainable development. They called for increased efforts in driving North-South dialogue, and exploring new type of partnerships as well as potential for more cooperation, with focuses on energy, the digital economy, climate change response and youth development.

The forum also released an action plan for a better future, which covers 50 deliverables in four areas. According to the action plan, $2 billion will be added to the Capital Pool, and more cooperation projects in major areas such as poverty reduction, climate change response, healthcare, the digital economy and human resource development for developing countries will be launched.

In addition, more cooperation platforms will be unveiled, such as the secretariat for the Global Development Promotion Center Network and the China-Africa-UN cooperation demonstration center, as well as trilateral cooperation with European countries and the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank. Cooperation with a number of international and regional organizations will be enhanced, and more efforts will be made to facilitate dialogue by hosting or participating in 11 international conferences, according to the action plan.