Consolidate Development Consensus and Create a Future Project Library | Conference | Development
On July 10th, the first high-level meeting of the Global Forum for Shared Development Action was held in Beijing. The theme of the conference is "China's Initiative, Global Action". Representatives from 158 countries and international organizations were invited to attend and discuss global development plans. Attendees believe that the Global Development Initiative is becoming a universal consensus in the international community. Under the framework of the initiative, countries should make unremitting efforts to promote the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind through more coordinated steps and stronger actions.
"Pave a path to common development and prosperity"
On June 24, 2022, at the Global Development High Level Dialogue, China announced 32 practical measures to implement global development initiatives, and the holding of the Global Shared Development Action Forum is one of the important measures. Attendees believe that this meeting is a concrete action taken by China to continuously promote the implementation of global development initiatives, which will further consolidate development consensus and promote unity and cooperation.
"I am very grateful to the Chinese side for organizing this meeting. China's proposal to jointly build the 'the Belt and Road' initiative and the global development initiative all guide us to step up our efforts to accelerate the realization of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals." Ban Ki moon, former Secretary General of the United Nations and Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, said that in the face of global challenges such as climate change, food and energy security, all countries should work together to create a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable world.
"Prosperity must be shared by all countries, not just a few," said Rousseff, the President of the New Development Bank. The meeting attracted all parties to come together and explore development paths, which will help "pave the way to common development and prosperity.".
China is not only a proposer of the global development initiative, but also a pioneer in implementing this major initiative. In the past two years, China has joined hands with various partners to promote the deepening and implementation of the global development initiative, revitalize the international development agenda, carry out numerous cooperation projects, establish extensive cooperation networks, and improve the lives of people in various countries.
Over the past year, half of the 32 practical measures listed in the Global Development High Level Dialogue Outcome List have been implemented or achieved early results; Among the first batch of 50 practical cooperation projects in the Global Development Initiative project library, more than 10 have been implemented, and the total number of practical cooperation projects in the project library has approached 200; The Chinese government has initiated and arranged 1000 human resource development cooperation projects, providing 20000 training slots... With the joint participation of all parties, the global development initiative cooperation has achieved a series of important early gains.
The representative of the rotating presidency of the Group of 77 and China and Minister of Industry of Cuba, Alvarez, stated that the Global Development Initiative responds to the international community's concerns about development issues by focusing on effectively addressing the specific difficulties of developing countries and accelerating the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
"This meeting once again proves that countries look forward to accelerating the implementation of global development initiatives and further strengthening practical cooperation in priority areas such as poverty eradication, food security, healthcare, and infrastructure." Ugandan Foreign Minister Jaj Odongo stated that by deepening cooperation under frameworks such as the Africa China Cooperation Forum, China has made positive contributions to Uganda's important infrastructure construction, and Ukraine will continue to support this initiative aimed at providing solutions to global challenges and accelerate the achievement of the sustainable development agenda.
Pakistan's Minister of Planning, Iqbal, stated that China is willing to share development experiences with other countries, promote the implementation of sustainable development goals, and not let any country or individual fall behind. The Pakistani side highly recognizes the contribution of the Global Development Initiative to the economic and social development of developing countries such as Pakistan. It is willing to continue to support and participate in the Global Development Initiative and cooperate with China in areas such as post disaster reconstruction, infrastructure, trade and investment, and social welfare.
"More than ever before, unity and cooperation are needed"
This year marks the full implementation of global development initiatives and the mid-term evaluation year of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Focusing on the eight key areas of cooperation of the Global Development Initiative, the meeting selected the topics of greatest concern to all parties and set up four parallel sub-forums, including "Poverty Reduction and Agriculture in the Global Public Goods System: South-South Cooperation and China's Contribution", "Global Green Development in the Context of Carbon Neutrality", "Capital Mobilization and Sustainable Infrastructure Financing", "Digital Intelligence Interconnection and Integration of Global Development.
The Global Development Initiative has identified poverty reduction as one of its key areas, with cooperation projects tilted towards areas such as poverty reduction, food, and health related to people's livelihoods. "The world today is facing multiple complex development challenges, and achieving sustainable development requires unity and cooperation more than ever before." Jin Zhongzhen, Assistant Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, said that the organization highly appreciates China's firm commitment to international development cooperation. The key areas of cooperation in the global development initiative are highly related to the main tasks and priorities of the Food and Agriculture Organization of China, and there will be greater space for cooperation between the organization and China in the future. "I hope more people can participate, work together to create synergies, and jointly promote the achievement of sustainable development goals."
China has helped other developing countries improve their ability to cope with climate change through cooperation in building low-carbon demonstration zones, implementing mitigation and adaptation projects, and conducting capacity building training. Gabon's Foreign Minister Imongo introduced that in April this year, Gabon and China signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in carrying out South South cooperation material aid projects to address climate change. China will provide Gabon with a batch of relevant materials to address climate change. "China actively engages in South South cooperation in addressing climate change, helping to achieve the sustainable development agenda and promote human development progress." Yimengo said that China reiterates its commitment to sustainable development goals, advocates for building a global development partnership that is united, equal, balanced, and inclusive, and points the way to promote South South cooperation and narrow the gap between North and South.
Under the framework of the Global Development Initiative, China fully implements the G20 debt relief initiative, establishes a Global Development and South South Cooperation Fund, and helps developing countries carry out high-quality projects. Angela Keruki, Minister of State for Provincial Administration and Local Affairs of the Tanzanian Presidential Office, stated that many developing countries face challenges such as insufficient funding to achieve sustainable development goals, and the issue of development financing is crucial. The global development initiative will greatly promote the achievement of fair and sustainable development. New multilateral financial institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the New Development Bank have expanded the financing options of developing countries, helping them achieve inclusive growth.
Co building smart classrooms and Gwadar Smart Port City in Pakistan; Assist Egypt in enhancing its independent research and development satellite and satellite measurement and control capabilities; Building a digital center in Kenya; Assist Laos in building an e-commerce platform... China has cooperated with multiple countries in the digital field and achieved fruitful results. Nicaraguan Minister of Finance and Public Credit, Acosta, stated that digital connectivity helps to narrow the gap between North and South countries. China leverages its advantages in digital technology to help Southern countries gain more development opportunities and help narrow the development gap and urban-rural gap between the North and South.
"Provide an excellent platform for high-quality cooperation among all parties"
Release the Beijing statement of the first high-level meeting of the Global Forum on Shared Development Action, calling for placing the development agenda at the center of the international cooperation agenda; Release the Global Development Project Library Guidelines to provide more convenience and institutional support for all parties to participate in project library construction; Provide more effective guidance for project pool financing through the Global Development Project Pool Financing Guidelines; Announce 11 recipient country funding cooperation projects and multiple tripartite cooperation projects... This meeting has achieved multiple results, injecting new impetus into the joint efforts of all parties to promote global development initiatives.
"The Global Development Initiative provides an excellent platform for high-quality cooperation among all parties," said Sri Lanka's Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Siriwadna. "This meeting will not only be beneficial to all participating parties, but also benefit the world and help countries enhance cooperation."
Pakistani economist Nadim stated that development is a common vision of countries around the world, and implementing global development initiatives can help all parties, especially developing countries, better overcome challenges and unite development efforts. Political leaders from multiple countries and representatives from various industries attended this meeting, demonstrating the importance that all parties attach to strengthening unity and cooperation, and demonstrating a firm willingness and confidence to jointly address challenges.
At this meeting, the China International Development Cooperation Agency signed financing cooperation agreements with the China Development Bank, the Export Import Bank of China, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The newly raised development funds will be focused on investing in eight major areas of global development initiatives, focusing on "small but beautiful" projects, and promoting South South cooperation based on consensus. "Jointly accelerating financing to address climate change and sustainable development goals is necessary to accelerate the achievement of the sustainable development agenda. The AIIB continues to expand its partnership and will better assist its members in addressing the challenges of climate change and mitigating financing needs in the infrastructure sector," said Edming, Vice President of Policy and Strategy at the AIIB
Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission of Nepal, Shresta, stated that good neighborliness, mutual trust, and mutual support are the main characteristics of the stable and healthy development of Nepal China relations. Nepal sincerely appreciates China's cooperation with Nepal in areas such as infrastructure connectivity, energy, education, and health.
Maldives Foreign Secretary Ahmed Latif stated that China has always been a valuable partner of Maldives and has provided strong support for its sustainable development. "The key areas of cooperation in the Global Development Initiative are highly aligned with the economic and social development needs of Maldives. This initiative brings hope for further development and new opportunities for countries to strengthen cooperation."
