Du Ying, head of the Chinese preparatory committee at the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development described the conference's final document as "comprehensive positive and balanced", hours before the conference concluded on June 22.

Du, who is also vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, was referring to the conference's outcome document, titled "The Future We Want," which was adopted by about 130 world leaders attending the UN meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

Du said that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's presence and speech at Rio+20 fully embodied the Chinese Government's determination to push for global sustainable development, while at the same time showing that China is a responsible developing country. Commenting on the final outcome document, Du said it addressed the major concerns of all parties, reflected the spirit of cooperation which exists among the international community, and showed that sustainable development has a positive future. Du summarized the five positive aspects contained within the document:

Cites common but differentiated responsibilities

Du believes that this aspect of the document will form the basis of global sustainable development and international cooperation. Thanks largely to the combined efforts of developing countries, the principle was expressed unequivocally in the document, much to the relief of many of them.

Commits to starting negotiations on sustainable development goals

This is important because such goals should be set on the basis of the UN Millennium Development Goals, helping developing nations chart a course beyond 2015, the deadline by which all UN member nations must accomplish the goals.

Cites green economy as crucial for sustainable development

As well as stressing the importance of the green economy to sustainable development, Du also believes this aspect's importance lies also in its insistence that countries adopt sustainable development strategies which are appropriate to their national conditions, rather than making such strategies inflexible.

Establishes a high-level forum to bolster UN Environment Programme

Du's belief is that this forum will give greater significance to sustainability mechanisms within the UN framework. ,

Calls for renewed commitment from developing countries

The fifth positive aspect is a renewed call to developed countries to carry out their commitments to developing countries in terms of financial support and transfers of technology. The document also stipulates a new follow-up financing process to meet the monetary requirements of sustainable development, in particular those of developing countries. Despite citing the document's positive elements, Du pointed out that all measures require action on behalf of all parties concerned, including the provision of financial aid and technology transfer to developing nations.

Du said that China has been a staunch supporter of sustainable endeavors, and commented that the country's remarkable progress over the past 20 years was an outstanding example of courage and determination. He added as well as developing in accordance with its own national conditions, China has also extended selfless help and support to many developing countries in their sustainable development initiatives.

He also commented that during the 18 months of preparation for the Rio+20 summit, China was fully involved in many areas, playing an especially important role in bridging the differences between countries during the negotiations for the outcome document.

Du revealed that during the most critical moment of the negotiation sessions, Wen expressly conveyed to Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff China's wish for a successful conclusion of the talks. He stressed the fact that China had collaborated closely with Brazil, as well as with the other Group of 77 member countries present at the negotiations, and concluded by labeling the document a success.

"On the whole, the document is a good document, and the meeting was a good meeting because it has addressed the concerns of all parties, especially those of developing nations," he said. "So long as it made progress and didn't backtrack, or create unconquerable barriers to future progress, I would consider it a success."

(Reporting from Rio de Janeiro)

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