International guests at the release ceremony for the Global Development Report 2024 in Beijing underscored the indispensable role of multilateralism and cooperation in creating a fairer and more inclusive world.
The report released by China's Center for International Knowledge on Development on Friday has offered solutions for sustainable development pathways, particularly for Global South countries.
It is part of China's far-reaching efforts to implement the Global Development Initiative, with three issues published so far.
Scholars from around the world who participated in compiling the report said that it comprehensively presents the most urgent challenges facing global development today and provides solutions for building a global development community and accelerating the implementation of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The report tackles pressing and controversial issues head-on and analyzes the current situation of various countries, especially developing countries, in areas such as climate change, digital technology, and food security. It also emphasizes the main pathways for cooperation in addressing challenges and achieving development.
"What is needed is greater global cooperation to achieve inclusive, fair, ecologically sustainable and people-centered development to benefit all the eight billion people on planet Earth. This approach, friends, is in stark contrast to the selfish mindset of the U.S.-led Western powers that are desperately trying to perpetuate today's unequal and unfair world order," said Sudheendra Kulkarni, former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's advisor, and founder and chairman of the Forum for a New South Asia.
The report points out that unilateralism and protectionism are spreading in today's world, geopolitical tensions are rising, and local conflicts and turmoil are frequent. It underscores that these factors are significantly impacting the global development process.
Several attendees at the ceremony stated that China's Global Development Initiative closely aligns with the central task of implementing the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, helping countries share experiences.
According to speakers at the event, developed countries must also fulfill their commitments, support the capacity-building of developing countries, and bridge the development gap.
"In this time, some countries were actually trying to weaken the multilateral system or are dismissing international organizations including UN agencies. All countries, in particular developing countries, need a strong multilateral system, and I appreciate very much the effort China is doing in that direction," said Carlos Correa, Executive Director of the South Center.
As an important product under the framework of China's Global Development Initiative, the report illustrates the country's contribution to promoting sustainable development across the world.
"For most developing countries, especially those with a certain population size and economic scale, achieving green and low-carbon industrialization is key to realizing development. As the largest developing country, China has made significant progress in industrialization and green, low-carbon transformation. This success itself provides confidence for the development of countries in the Global South," said Wang Jinzhao, Executive Vice President of the Center for International Knowledge on Development.
Global Development Report 2024 offers sustainable development paths for Global South countries
