In Video Message to High-Level Symposium, Secretary-General Commends China's Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the Joint High-Level Symposium on the 2030 Agenda, co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations country team in China, today:

Distinguished guests, thank you for coming together for this High-Level Symposium on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations system in China.

Last year, leaders from around the world, including President Xi Jinping, adopted the 2030 Agenda and the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals.

China has demonstrated great leadership and made remarkable commitments to advance the 2030 Agenda.  I am pleased that China has pledged to eradicate poverty in the country by 2020, increase South-South cooperation, and focus action to tackle climate change.

China’s thirteenth Five-Year Plan has integrated the 2030 Agenda to reflect the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs] in the country’s overall social, economic and environmental planning.  I welcome China’s continued leadership to achieve the 2030 Agenda both at home and globally.

I am pleased that China will be among the first countries volunteering to make national presentations on SDG implementation at the High-Level Political Forum this July. 

The United Nations looks forward to further strengthening our partnership to advance our shared goals of development, peace and human rights for all.  Please accept my best wishes for a successful symposium.