Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, has urged the international community to renew its commitment to global development partnerships to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative during the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, Fu highlighted the urgent need to refocus on development amid setbacks in poverty eradication and mounting global challenges.
“Currently, global progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals has fallen far short of expectations,” Fu stated. “We are losing years of gains in poverty eradication and facing multiple challenges of food and energy insecurity, climate change, and a widening global development deficit.”
He emphasized the importance of multilateralism and solidarity, calling for joint actions to bring the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development back on track. “The international community must practice multilateralism, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and take joint actions,” he said.
Development at the Center of International Cooperation
Fu urged developed countries to fulfill their commitments by providing financial, technological, and capacity-building support to developing nations. “Development must be put at the center of international cooperation,” he stressed, calling for effective fulfillment of official development assistance commitments.
He also highlighted the role of the United Nations in coordinating international development efforts, advocating for stronger synergy among countries’ development strategies to foster global development characterized by inclusiveness, balance, openness, and mutual benefit.
Addressing Poverty and Hunger
Emphasizing that no country or individual should be left behind, Fu called for strengthened global cooperation in poverty eradication. He urged increased investment, especially in rural areas, and proposed that the UN Secretary-General appoint a special envoy for poverty eradication.
On achieving zero hunger, Fu advocated for safeguarding global food security through enhanced cooperation in food production, storage, transportation, and loss reduction. He called for the promotion of a just and reasonable international food trade order and emphasized the role of major UN agricultural organizations in maintaining market stability.
Tackling Climate Change
Fu reiterated the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” in addressing climate change, urging full implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement.
He called on developed countries to lead by significantly reducing emissions and fulfilling their climate finance commitments. Fu opposed the use of climate change as a pretext for protectionism or imposing unilateral coercive measures.
Looking Ahead to the Summit of the Future
Fu expressed hope that the upcoming Summit of the Future at the UN headquarters in New York would be “development-focused and action-oriented.” He affirmed that the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative would continue their constructive participation to strive for a better future for all.
Reference(s):
Chinese envoy urges revitalizing global development partnerships
cgtn.com
