CIDCA hosts dialogue on GDI at UN venue in Bangkok

On April 24, 2024, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), together with China's Permanent Mission to the ESCAP and the UN China, hosted a "Dialogue on Renewed Efforts to Deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): working towards the Summit of the Future", at the UN Conference Center in Bangkok, Thailand.

Vice-Chairman of the CIDCA Zhao Fengtao, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, and Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Han Zhiqiang attended the event and delivered opening remarks.

In his speech, Zhao said that the ongoing and intensifying geopolitical crises, coupled with protectionism and the broadening scope of security concerns, are impacting the global economy, while the new industrial revolution driven by artificial intelligence is about to change human lifestyles. Under those circumstances, China proposed the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, guided by the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, he said, adding that by collaborating with countries around the world, China aims to address  global challenges and advance the world towards peace, prosperity and progress.

Zhao emphasized that the GDI serves as a "catalyst" and "accelerator" for the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda, with the two sharing similar core concepts, common goals, and complementary governance philosophy.

Since its incubation over two years ago, the initiative has progressed from building a solid foundation to achieving tangible results, and China's foreign aid has entered a new stage of international development cooperation that combines bilateral and multilateral approaches, involves multiple participants, and draws diversified resource investment, he stressed.

Zhao pointed out that China is willing to work with the UN ESCAP and countries in the Asia-Pacific region to adhere to extensive consultation and joint contribution, and strengthen the alignment of development strategies.

China will also keep enhancing efficiency through collaborative efforts and increasing investment in resources for development; uphold true multilateralism and promote the reform of the global governance system; coordinate development and security, and work together with all parties in the region to promote global sustainable development and build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future that will benefit future generations, elevating cooperation within the region to new heights, he added.

In her speech, Alisjahbana said that with the overarching framework of achieving the UN 2030 SDGs, the ESCAP focuses on addressing climate change, enhancing the well-being of the elderly and people with disabilities, and advancing digital innovation, and attaches importance to international development cooperation with emerging countries and sub-regional organizations. She said that the China-proposed GDI demonstrates the strategic significance of South-South cooperation and trilateral cooperation, and is conducive for all countries to sharing their best practices and accelerating the realization of the UN 2030 Agenda with no one left behind.

In his remarks, Han called on countries in the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen their confidence and join hands for common development, prioritize development and put it at the top of the international agenda, reinforce partnership for coordinated development, adopt true multilateralism, and promote the building of an open world economy.

At the keynote session, head of the CIDCA's Global Development Promotion Center Tang Ying introduced China's measures and progress in implementing the GDI and promoting the realization of the UN SDGs.

Other speakers included officials from the ESCAP, UN, government departments of Malaysia and Thailand, and representatives of related non-government organizations and academic institutions.

Attendants at the event agreed that Chinese modernization offers a wealth of valuable experience and practical examples for developing countries, lauding the significant progress China has made in implementing the GDI and expecting to further deepen cooperation with China in carrying out innovative bilateral and multilateral projects.

Nearly 150 people from over 60 countries, international organizations, foundations, academic institutions and private sectors attended the event.

A reception was held after the event and attendants were also invited to visit a digital exhibition on the GDI’s alignment with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.