China's role for G20 and UN’s 2030 sustainable development

At the tenth summit of the Group of Twenty (G20) on Nov 15, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to implement the United Nations' sustainable development agenda for 2030. He said, "China will combine the UN's 2030 agenda with Beijing's ‘Thirteenth Five-year' plan（2016-2020）."

He added, "China will establish the ‘South-South Cooperation Aid Fund' to increase investments in the least developed countries." Xi outlined China's role to sustain the G20 and UN's development agenda, and to boost the world economy with robust, sustainable and balanced growth.

2015 is the year to wrap up the UN Millennium Development Goals, and start the new 2030 sustainable development agenda.

Due to China's contributions to development and poverty reductions in the past 15 years, the basic objectives of the Millennium Development Goals have been achieved.

However, the international community must explore how to implement the new sustainable development goals more effectively in wider areas and at higher levels.

G20 members consist of the world's major developed nations and leading emerging countries. It's total economy accounts for more than 80% of global GDP. Members should adopt global development goals in their national development plans.

The UN 2030 agenda highlights "eradicating poverty" and "promoting lasting, inclusive and sustainable economic growth," which could create huge economic growth. The targets can play a coordinated role for global economy recovery.

China as the world's second largest economy and biggest developing country supports the 2030 sustainable development agenda coinciding with China's development plan. G20 members should make respective plans, integrating them with an action plan.

China can accelerate the 2030 agenda, and bring positive results for the international community. To act as a "model country" and perform the "China role," Beijing should focus on certain aspects. China must continue with its own development.

China has 1.3 billion people. Its development represents the world's development; and the nation is creating opportunities for others. China has already reached its UN Millennium Development Goals.

Since the reform and opening up, China has helped to alleviate over 678 million people from poverty, accounting for 93.3% of global poverty reductions. After the 2008 financial crisis, world economies had plunged into difficulties, yet China emerged as a stimulating force.

From 2009 to 2011, China's contribution to world economic growth stood at more than 50%.

According to the "Thirteenth Five-year" plan, Beijing will help 70 million poor escape poverty, an average of 11.7 million annually. China is expected to advance the UN poverty reduction goals for 10 years.

Beijing will step up its comprehensive reform for an open economy and upgrade its innovation-driven development strategy. China favors economic restructuring while maintaining high-speed economic growth.

This can build a moderately prosperous society domestically, and boost confidence, providing an impetus for global economic development. Beijing also seeks to promote international cooperation and development.

In his interview with the Wall Street Journal last September, Xi said, "China's development has largely benefited from international cooperation for the past several decades."

He promised, "Therefore, we should contribute to the cause of international development." He added, "Many friends from developing countries have expressed their strong desires in this area."

Beijing has kept its word, by initiating the ‘Belt and Road' in 2013 and establishing the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) this year. Xi proposed to set up the South-South Cooperation Aid Fund at the UN General Assembly last September.

President Xi stressed China's support for developing countries. As a major developing country, China is committed to the cause of international development and willing to share its fruits.

Meanwhile, China should advocate increased collaboration within multilateral platforms including the G20 to ensure the 2030 sustainable development agenda getting implemented. The well-being of humanity would improve with fairer and more inclusive development.

By He Linyuan & Ren Kangyu, researchers of G20-BFSU Center, Beijing Foreign Studies University