Ambassador Zhang Jun's Address at the United Nations Global Compact 2022 Sustainable Development Leaders Summit China Conference

2022年6月1日

Dear Executive Director Ojiambo, Deputy Director Ren Hongbin, President Ma Kexing, and colleagues,

I am pleased to participate in the Global Compact Sustainable Development Leadership Summit.

Currently, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, geopolitical conflicts intensify, the global economic recovery becomes uneven and imbalanced, and issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and increased inequality become more pronounced, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda faces serious challenges. As the largest global initiative for corporate sustainability, the Global Compact should fully leverage its unique advantages, strengthen guidance for member companies, forge stronger public-private partnerships, and accelerate the international community's implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

First, we need to unite to fight the pandemic and promote post-pandemic recovery. The Global Compact should utilize its local network resources to encourage companies to actively engage in international cooperation on vaccine production, research and development, and distribution, building multiple lines of defense against the pandemic and assisting countries in post-pandemic recovery, promoting the construction of a global community of health for all.

Second, we must prioritize development and rejuvenate the global economy. The pandemic has highlighted the importance and urgency of development areas such as poverty reduction, food security, digital economy, and infrastructure. The Global Compact should encourage companies to increase investment in these key areas, addressing the imbalances and inadequacies in development among countries. It should also utilize the significant role of multinational companies to maintain the stability and smooth functioning of global supply chains, helping to put the world economy back on the path to recovery.

Third, we must enhance technological innovation to promote green development. Global businesses should seize the opportunities presented by the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, vigorously promote technological innovation, and deepen exchange and cooperation. It is important to actively promote the development and application of environmentally friendly technologies, accelerate digital and green low-carbon transformation, and create new advantages for future development.

Fourth, we must adhere to value-driven principles and fulfill social responsibilities. The Global Compact should fully mobilize corporate resources and actively participate in global development efforts. It must resolutely oppose all forms of unilateralism and trade protectionism, promote the establishment of an open, fair, and non-discriminatory international trade system. While conducting business activities, companies should actively take on social responsibilities, fulfill obligations such as environmental protection, focus on giving back to society, and enhance the welfare of the public.

Colleagues,

For years, Chinese companies have actively participated in international cooperation. While achieving their own development, they have actively integrated into local societies and practiced social responsibility, making positive contributions to local sustainable development. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, under the guidance of the Chinese government, Chinese companies have collaborated with 19 countries on joint vaccine production, initially creating an annual capacity of over one billion doses, fulfilling the commitment to make vaccines a global public good. China will continue to create a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment, promote high-quality Belt and Road construction, and through bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral cooperation, create more high-quality projects, providing more market opportunities, investment opportunities, and growth opportunities for the global business community.

Last September, President Xi Jinping solemnly proposed the Global Development Initiative during the 76th session of the UNGA General Debate, calling on the international community to join hands to address challenges, accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, and promote a stronger, greener, and healthier global development. Earlier this year, the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York initiated the establishment of the Friends of the Global Development Initiative group, which recently successfully held a high-level video conference, receiving wide attention from all parties. The group now has 55 members. We welcome the Global Compact and all member companies to participate in the Global Development Initiative process, contribute ideas and strategies for the implementation of the initiative, engage in practical cooperation in key areas, and inject new energy into the global development effort.

China is willing to continue strengthening exchanges and cooperation with the Global Compact, looking forward to member companies continuously enhancing their ambition and action in implementing the 2030 Agenda. Together, let us make a greater contribution to global recovery and sustainable development.

Thank you all.

Article reprinted from:http://un.china-mission.gov.cn/chn/hyyfy/202206/t20220602_10697922.htm