Put development at center of int'l agenda: Chinese minister

Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu speaks during the closing ceremony of the Ecological Civilization Forum of the first part of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, or COP15, in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Oct. 15, 2021. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

"Only through continuous development can the people's dream for a better life and social stability be realized. We must put development at the center of the international agenda, implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and pursue development in real earnest and promote development in a concerted manner," said Huang Runqiu, China's ecology and environment minister.

UNITED NATIONS, July 14 (Xinhua) -- China's ecology and environment minister on Thursday called on countries to put development at the center of the international agenda.

The implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development faces unprecedented challenges as the once-in-a-century pandemic is still raging, governance deficits in areas like climate change remain, and global economic recovery is weak, said Huang Runqiu, the minister.

First, there is a need to stay committed to development, he told a ministerial roundtable of the High-level Political Forum on sustainable development, convened under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council.

"Only through continuous development can the people's dream for a better life and social stability be realized. We must put development at the center of the international agenda, implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and pursue development in real earnest and promote development in a concerted manner," he said.

Aerial photo taken on June 5, 2022 shows a view of Guangyang Isle in southwest China's Chongqing. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao)

Second, there is a need to resolutely promote a green and low-carbon transition. At present, the world is undergoing emerging food and energy security crises. In this context, it is important not to waver or even reverse the course of green transition, said Huang.

Third, there is a need to adhere to the path of cooperation. Countries around the world should jointly build a global development partnership and leave no country or person behind, he said.

China will uphold the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, actively promote global sustainable development, and provide more public goods for the world. China will work with the international community to realize stronger, greener, and healthier global development, he said.