The 11th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) opened on 20 February in Bangkok. The theme of the 11th APFSD is “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: The effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions in Asia and the Pacific”. Over one thousand representatives from ESCAP members and associate members, international organizations and civil society participated in this Forum. H.E. Ambassador Han Zhiqiang headed the Chinese delegation to the Forum and delivered a keynote speech.

Mr. Han said, faced with an international situation fraught with change and turmoil, China has continued with the people-centered approach in advancing Chinese modernization, accelerating high-quality development and fulfilling its commitment to sustainable development.

China promotes inclusive development, historically eliminating absolute poverty. The largest systems of education, social protection and health in the world have been established, effectively securing the rights and interests of vulnerable groups for development.

With its focus on innovative development, China’s innovation capabilities are constantly improving, with its ranking in the Global Innovation Index  improving from 35th in 2013 to 12th in 2023, its number of patent applications ranking first in the world and the number of unicorn enterprises ranking second globally.

China is committed to green development. Over the past decade, it has lowered its carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 34.4% and created the largest carbon market in the world. China has made vigorous efforts to combat desertification, and green has become the defining feature of high-quality development.

With its profound commitment to opening up and development, China has become a major trading partner of more than 140 countries and regions in the world, and its Belt and Road Initiative has become a popular platform for international public goods and cooperation. The key fundamentals of China’s economy are well-poised to keep the momentum of steady growth. Over the past decade, China's annual contribution to global economic growth has averaged over 30%, making outstanding contributions to global development.

Mr. Han emphasized, As a Chinese saying goes, “The journey ahead may be long and arduous, but with sustained actions, we will eventually reach our destination and embrace a brighter future.” China is of the view that countries should strengthen international solidarity to jointly address the existing multiple crises:

First, advocating an equal and orderly multipolar world. We should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, oppose hegemonism and power politics, practice true multilateralism, and promote global governance based on extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.

Second, staying committed to a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. It is important to respond to the common demands of all countries, address the development imbalance caused by resource misallocation. Trade and investment should be  liberalized and facilitated to keep industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded.

Third, promoting safe and reliable technological innovation. We should foster digital economy, make digital development fairer and more  inclusive, and bridge the digital divide. We should strengthen the international governance of artificial intelligence.

Fourth, addressing the challenge of climate change  in a pragmatic way. We must follow the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Developed countries should effectively fulfill their commitments on official development assistance and climate financing while developing countries should deepen South-South cooperation.

Mr. Han reiterated the Global Development Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping  in 2021 is committed to strengthening partnerships for development and accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs recently held in Beijing further clarified that China would be committed to fostering a community with a shared future for mankind with the guiding principle of applying the common values of humanity. China will join hands with all parties to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity for all.