CCG co-hosts seminar with United Nations in China: China's sustainable development
China's remarkable achievements, ongoing challenges, and the imperative of global cooperation in its pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
For the full PDF version of the meeting briefing, please refer to the following link: Accelerating progress towards the 2030 Agenda: China’s Progress, Challenges and Path Forward
See also the transcript of remarks by Siddharth Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator in China, on the website of United Nations in China.
Accelerating progress towards the 2030 Agenda: China’s Progress, Challenges and Path Forward
A seminar co-hosted by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and the United Nations in China in advance of the SDG Summit on 18-19 September
CHAIRS’ SUMMARY OF KEY OUTCOMES OF THE DISCUSSION
Beijing, 15 September 2023
On 14 September, the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and the United Nations in China co-hosted a seminar focused on accelerating progress towards the 2030 Agenda. The event’s aimed to serve as a pre-SDG Summit event whose main outcomes to be fed into the discussions in New York on 18-19 September. The objective was to galvanize local momentum in China and mark the beginning of a new phase of accelerated progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Against the background of exacerbating global challenges and at midpoint towards the 2030 deadline for achieving the SDGs, the event sought to provide a platform for discussions on China’s progress and challenges and to establish a roadmap for the future. The seminar included participation from the United Nations and CCG, along with Chinese government officials, including the Vice-Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, academia, the private sector, and members of the diplomatic community in Beijing.
At the event, speakers acknowledged the SDGs were off track due to the interconnected crises facing the world and recognized that the SDG summit was a key opportunity to bring high-level government representatives together to discuss and agree on strategies to accelerate actions towards the 2030 Agenda. Speakers focused on both China’s achievements and remaining challenges on SDG attainment. Their interventions highlighted China’s development achievements, particularly as they related to the eradication of extreme poverty, several targets and indicators focused on children, and actions towards green technologies and combatting climate change.
With respect to poverty alleviation, the focus on a people-centered philosophy to development was mentioned as key in eliminating extreme poverty, as was creating monitoring and early warning systems to identify and provide interventions to people that could be at risk of falling back into poverty. These achievements and the lessons learned were said to be shared with other countries to support their own goals of eradicating poverty.
At the same time, it was underscored that domestic challenges remained, where it was reported there be a focus on rural revitalization to increase living standards. Other new challenges were also said to have emerged, including challenges associated with climate change, in particular the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. In addition, while China was reported to have been able to achieve near universal education with gender parity through primary and lower secondary education, it was highlighted that challenges remained with the transition to higher education and the ability for young people to successfully enter the workforce. Finally, it was highlighted that the private sector needed to play a larger role in contributing to sustainable development in China, with a focus on ESG standards.
The second part of the panel focused on how China was contributing to sustainable development in other countries, through South-South and other international cooperation activities. Initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative (GDI) were highlighted and speakers mentioned the need for enhanced cooperation between China and other countries, recognizing the opportunity for technology exchange, experience changing and other cooperation activities to accelerate progress towards the SDGs.
Speakers also underlined the importance of sharing not only what went right in China’s development progress, but also what went wrong, as these lessons were said to be equally important for other countries. One speaker highlighted that there was no such thing as the China development model to copy, and that it was important for countries to develop a model in line with its national reality, needs and objectives. Speakers stressed that it was easy to make mistakes by simply copying others, rather than exploring how to adapt any lesson to specific country contexts. Other lessons learned from China’s experience included the need to balance environmental protection with industrialization, a focus on managed urbanization to prevent sprawl, and the need to focus development priorities and actions on the people who will benefit.
China’s role in international cooperation and the need for greater multilateralism to advance development outcomes were emphasized as key areas for accelerating SDG achievement. Speakers mentioned the need for political will to address problems such as climate change and to take advantage of the existing opportunities to advance development. Participants indicated that while China was playing a key role in advancing development, there was more it could do, for example by expanding its investments to promote sustainable development globally, in line with the development priorities of the countries in which such investments are to be made.
The need for increased financing, not just from China, but from diverse sources was stressed, along with the need for increased private capital flows towards sustainable development activities to close the SDG funding gap. It was also emphasized that more work needed to be done in exploring green bonds and other innovative financing ideas as a key means to rapidly scale up the financing needed to achieve the SDGs.
The event concluded by emphasizing that at the mid-point of the SDGs, it was important to take stock and acknowledge that the world was far behind in achieving the SDGs and that business as usual could not continue. Identifying new and innovative actions was said to be paramount to allow countries to leapfrog, and the SDG Summit presented a crucial opportunity to discuss these transformative actions. Continued and enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and China was said to be crucial for achieving the SDGs, both in China and abroad and sharing China’s lessons learned with other countries could help to promote more rapid progress towards the SDGs.
Annex 1: Concept Note and Agenda of Event
Concept Note
Accelerating progress towards the 2030 Agenda: China's Progress, Challenges, and Path Forward
A seminar co-hosted by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and the United Nations in China in advance of the SDG Summit on 18-19 September at UN Headquarters in New York
Beijing, 14 September 2023, 15:30
Background
Global progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 has stalled (and for 30% of targets, progress since 2015 has been zero or regressed below the 2015 baseline1) due to multiple and interlocking crises. Climate change, poverty, inequality, and conflicts have had far-reaching impacts on sustainable development efforts. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these existing challenges, with the World Bank estimating that an additional 88 million to 115 million people were pushed into extreme poverty in 20212. The ongoing war in Ukraine has also severely affected sustainable development worldwide, with a staggering 1.6 billion people in 94 countries exposed to at least one dimension of the crisis.3 Additionally, extreme weather events linked to climate change are intensifying, rendering vulnerable populations even more at risk and hindering progress toward the SDGs. These global crises demand urgent action, collaboration, and innovative solutions to ensure that no one is left behind in our shared pursuit of sustainable development.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, has convened the 2023 SDG Summit on 18-19 September to mark the half-way point to the deadline for achieving the SDGs. He has stated that the Summit “must be a moment of unity to provide renewed impetus and accelerated actions for reaching the SDGs.”
The Summit presents an opportunity for Government leaders and all stakeholders to increase their ambition and to deliver a “Rescue Plan for People and Planet” that includes national and global commitments to drive SDG transformation in the years ahead. Countries are encouraged to announce their National and Global Commitments to SDG Transformation at the SDG Summit and to report on their implementation through the follow-up and review processes, including the Voluntary National Reviews.
In addition, the United Nations will seek to rally support behind a set of high impact initiatives that demonstrate that transformative progress is possible and the selected initiatives will facilitate a strengthened offer from the UN on crucial dimensions of SDG acceleration: the six major SDG Transitions (energy compacts, biodiversity and nature, transforming education, social protection and jobs, food systems, and digital public infrastructure) and across the five critical means of implementation (SDG stimulus, trade, SDG localization, public sector capabilities, and data dividend), all including the transversal priority of gender equality.
China's prominent position in the global sustainable development landscape is underscored by its status as the world's most populous country and the second-largest economy. China holds immense potential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), both domestically and through it south-south cooperation activities, and it has already demonstrated substantial progress in several areas, most notably in poverty reduction. China has lifted an impressive 770 million people out of extreme poverty in the past 40 years, making a remarkable contribution towards the SDG target of eradicating poverty in all its forms4. Moreover, China's efforts in rural revitalization, energy transition, and responsible consumption further bolster its sustainable development endeavors.
In addition to these domestic accomplishments, China has been at the forefront of promoting South-South Cooperation (SSC) via the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Belt and Road Initiative and other similar programmes, offering assistance and expertise to other developing nations in areas such as infrastructure development, capacity-building, and technological innovation. By sharing its own development experiences and supporting the progress of fellow developing countries, China contributes to the collective pursuit of the SDGs on a global scale.
However, China's progress toward the 2030 Agenda has encountered various challenges. Rapid economic growth and urbanization have led to increased pollution, strained resources, rising income inequality, and increased the gaps for certain vulnerable groups. Balancing the need for economic development with environmental sustainability remains a significant challenge. Additionally, addressing regional disparities and ensuring equitable access to education, healthcare, and social welfare services across the vast population pose ongoing challenges. Tackling these challenges requires joint efforts, innovative approaches, and integrated policies to ensure inclusive and sustainable development for all regions and segments of Chinese society.
In accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Country Framework (UNSDCF) for the People’s Republic of China (PRC) 2021-2025, the UN in China is committed to supporting China’s efforts on the SDGs. The UN in China actively collaborates with the Chinese government, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda by providing technical expertise, policy advice, funding opportunities, and capacity-building support in various areas relevant to the SDGs.
This event, co-hosted by the UN in China and CCG, seeks to provide a platform for discussions on China's progress and challenges in achieving the SDGs and to establish a roadmap for the future. In the context of the upcoming SDG Summit, the event also seeks to identify key transformative actions and commitments that China could take that would accelerate SDG progress, both within China and globally. With the support of the United Nations in China and CCG, this event will contribute directly to the upcoming SDG Summit, strengthening global partnerships and advancing progress towards the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
Objectives
This event aims to:
Review China's progress toward the 2030 Agenda and identify remaining challenges and gaps: The forum will assess China's advancements in key areas such as poverty reduction, education, health, climate action, sustainable consumption and production, and partnerships. At the same time, it will seek to identify and analyze challenges and gaps that continue to hinder China’s sustainable development efforts. The event will provide an open platform to foster discussions on areas that require targeted interventions and collaborative approaches.
Sharing and scaling best practices and innovative solutions: This forum also intends to facilitate the sharing of best practices, innovative approaches, and successful models implemented in various regions of China that can be replicated both within China and in other countries.
Establish a roadmap for the future: Finally, based on the discussions and deliberations and looking ahead to the SDG Summit, the event hopes to identify key initiatives and areas where transformative progress is possible to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. A roadmap towards SDG achievement will lay the groundwork for a path toward achieving the commitments of the 2030 Agenda. This roadmap will include policy recommendations, action plans, transformative initiative, and collaborative frameworks involving multiple stakeholders.
Participants
Participants in the event will include Chinese ministries and departments, the United Nations in China, the diplomatic community, research institutes, academia, the private sector, etc.
Local and international media will also be invited to the event.
Format
This seminar will be held in a hybrid format (virtual and in person), with opening remarks, and keynote speeches, followed by a panel discussion focused on accelerated actions for SDG attainment.
A summary of the discussions held at the event will be made available as a reference for further discussions.
Outcomes from the forum will feed into the upcoming SDG summit that will take place on 18-19 September in New York City as the centerpiece of the High-level Week of the General Assembly, which will respond to the impact of multiple and interlocking crises facing the world and is expected to reignite a sense of hope, optimism, and enthusiasm for the 2030 Agenda.
Accelerating progress towards the 2030 Agenda: China’s Progress, Challenges, and Path Forward
A seminar co-hosted by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and the United Nations in China in advance of the SDG Summit on 18-19 September
Beijing, 14 September 2023, 15:30
AGENDA
Welcome: Dr. Mabel Lu Miao, Co-founder and Secretary-General of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG)
15 h 30 – 15 h 50 (5 min each) Opening Session:
Dr. Henry Huiyao Wang, President, Center for China and Globalization (CCG)
Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator in China
Mr. Zhao Fengtao, Vice-Chairman, China International Development Cooperation Agency
15 h 50 – 16 h 05 (10 min) Keynote Address: China’s Path torwards Sustainable Development: Progress, remaining challenges and China’s role in SDG attainment abroad
Mr. Zhou Taidong, Vice President, Center for International Knowledge on Development
16 h 05 – 16 h 50 (8 min each) Panel Discussion: Accelerating China’s Domestic Progress towards the 2030 Agenda: Transformative actions and a roadmap for the future
Moderator: Zoon Ahmed, CCG Research Fellow
Ms. Li Xin, Deputy Director General, International Poverty Reduction Center in China
Ms. Amakobe Sande, Country Representative, UNICEF
Ms. Wu Ying, Founder and CEO of Prestige and Fortune Fintech; Chief Representative of BBZ Academy, China Office
Mr. Gou Haodong, CCG Senior Felow, former Deputy Representative of the Chinese Mission to the African Union
Interaction with Member States and other participants: 15 min
16 h 50 – 17 h 40 (8 min each) Panel Discussion: Accelerating Progress on the SDGs Abroad: China’s role and contributions
Moderator: Ms. Justine Coulson, Representative, UNFPA China Office
H.E. Mr. Awale Ali Kullane, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to China
Ms. Beate Trankmann, UNDP Resident Representative
Ms. Elitza Mileva, Lead Economist, World Bank Office for China, Mongolia and Korea
Prof. Xu Xiuli, Dean of the College of International Development and Global Agriculture, China Agricultural University
Interaction with Member States and other participants: 15 min
17 h 40 – 17 h 55 Q & A with media present for all speakers
17 h 55 – 18 h 00 Closing Remarks:
Mr. Henry Huiyao Wang, President, CCG
NB : The main outcomes of the discussion will be shared with UN Headquarters as an informal input into the SDG Summit’s discussion.
[Light reception to follow]https://h71c4jhrvq.feishu.cn/docx/LSv8dqzJjoJ0dfxQt9bct4xCnic?from=from_wechat