At the recent High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, emphasized the urgent need to revitalize global development partnerships. Speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative, Fu highlighted that progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals has stalled, with significant setbacks in poverty eradication, food and energy security, and climate change mitigation.
Fu stressed the importance of multilateralism, solidarity, and cooperation among nations to realign efforts with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He called on developed countries to provide financial, technological, and capacity-building support to developing nations, ensuring that official development assistance commitments are met.
The envoy advocated for placing development at the center of international cooperation, urging the international community to support the United Nations' coordinating role in development efforts. Fu highlighted the need for balanced, inclusive, and open global development strategies that promote common prosperity and win-win cooperation.
Addressing poverty eradication, Fu called for increased investment, particularly in rural areas, and advocated for enhanced policy exchanges and practical cooperation to ensure that no country or individual is left behind. He also emphasized the importance of establishing a special envoy for poverty eradication to tackle extreme and multidimensional poverty.
On the topic of zero hunger, Fu advocated for safeguarding global food security through improved cooperation in food production, storage, transportation, and reducing losses. He stressed the need for a just and reasonable international food trade order and recognized the role of the Food and Agriculture Organization in maintaining food market stability.
Fu reiterated the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities in addressing climate change and called for the full implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. He urged developed countries to lead in reducing emissions, achieving carbon neutrality ahead of schedule, and fulfilling climate finance commitments, while opposing unilateral coercive measures that hinder green trade.
Looking ahead, Fu expressed high hopes for the upcoming Summit of the Future in September at the UN headquarters in New York, emphasizing the need for it to be development-focused and action-oriented. He affirmed the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative's commitment to contributing constructively to the summit's preparations, striving for a better future for all.
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Chinese envoy urges revitalizing global development partnerships
cgtn.com
