A group picture taken at the Lecture Hall of CCG in Beijing, Sept. 14, 2023. [Photo courtesy of CCG]

A seminar with the theme "Accelerating Progress Toward the 2030 Agenda: China's Progress, Challenges, and Path Forward," co-hosted by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and the United Nations (U.N.) in China, brought together leading figures from Chinese ministries and departments, the diplomatic community, and scholars from research institutes and academia to explore China's path toward sustainable development in anticipation of the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Summit on Sept. 18-19 at the U.N. Headquarters in New York. The seminar, which combined both online and offline components, aimed to establish a roadmap for achieving the SDGs amidst multiple and interconnected crises such as climate change, poverty, inequality and conflict.

Dr. Henry Huiyao Wang, president of the CCG, delivers his opening address during a seminar held at the CCG in Beijing, Sept. 14, 2023. [Photo courtesy of CCG]

During his opening speech, Dr. Henry Huiyao Wang, president of the CCG, presented three recommendations aimed at promoting sustainable development, stimulating domestic economic growth, and fostering collaborative development among various global gateways. He placed particular emphasis on the significant role played by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in advancing the progress of countries relevant to the 2030 Agenda.

Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee, U.N. resident coordinator in China, delivers his speech during a seminar held at the CCG in Beijing, Sept. 14, 2023. [Photo courtesy of CCG]

Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee, U.N. resident coordinator in China, highlighted that China has been a trailblazer in promoting South-South Cooperation (SSC), emphasizing the significant assistance and expertise provided through the BRI to other developing nations. This assistance spans crucial areas such as infrastructure development, capacity-building, and technological innovation. By generously sharing China's own development experiences and actively supporting the progress of fellow developing countries, China has laid a solid foundation for the pursuit of the commitments outlined in the 2030 Agenda.

Zhao Fengtao, vice-chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), speaks during a seminar held at the CCG in Beijing, Sept. 14, 2023. [Photo courtesy of CCG]

Zhao Fengtao, vice-chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), underscored China's remarkable contribution to achieving the SDG target of eradicating poverty in all its forms. He called for enhanced cooperation among all stakeholders to increase their efforts in rural revitalization, energy transition, and responsible consumption.

During his keynote address, Zhou Taidong, vice president of the Center for International Knowledge on Development (CIKD), emphasized China's achievements. He noted that over the past 40 years, China has successfully lifted an impressive 770 million people out of extreme poverty, ensuring food security and embarking on a new journey toward the collective pursuit of the SDGs on a broader scale. He also introduced the Global Development Report 2023, which illustrates China's significant role in the global sustainable development landscape.

During the panel discussion, panelists expressed their views on China's global SDG efforts, discussing best practices, innovative approaches, and successful models implemented in various regions of China.

Ms. Amakobe Sande, country representative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), shared her insights on addressing regional disparities and ensuring equitable access to education, healthcare, and social welfare for children worldwide. She expressed hope that China's practices in development and gender equality could be replicated in other countries.

Professor Xu Xiuli, dean of the College of International Development and Global Agriculture at China Agricultural University, emphasized China's role in sharing agricultural knowledge, providing assistance, and transferring skills among small- and medium-sized farms globally. She stressed the importance of better linking China's aid system with international development assistance.

Around 30 participants, including researchers and relevant department leaders, participated in the seminar. It is anticipated that the seminar's outcomes will inform discussions at the upcoming SDG Summit scheduled to take place on Sept. 18-19 in New York City, where responses to the impact of multiple and interlocking global crises will be addressed.

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