China backs efforts to develop sustainable education

China on Wednesday extended its support to the efforts in prioritizing the development of education and making it sustainable.

Hao Ping, Chinese vice minister of education, made the statement as he was addressing a high-level UN meeting over an initiative to put education first on the development agenda across the globe, known as the Global Education First Initiative.

"Prioritizing the development of education and making it sustainable is a national policy of fundamental importance in China," Hao said. "The Chinese governments at different levels have increased their input in education to implement the strategy of rejuvenating the nation with science and education."

Hao noted that China is a developing country with 1.3 billion people and 260 million students.

"Balanced development of education between urban and rural areas, and equal opportunities for students are the guiding principles for educational development in China, and we have made headway in this respect," he said.

"I'm proud to tell you that China has achieved all the goals set for its nine-year compulsory education," he added.

The vice minister continued to stress the importance of good teachers to equal, inclusive and quality education and said it is vital to "achieve equitable distribution of quality teacher resources in the country."

As a champion country of the Global Education First Initiative, China will do its utmost in partnership with other member states of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), especially African and underdeveloped countries for a brighter future of all mankind, Hao said.

In September 2012, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched the Global Education First Initiative to spur renewed efforts to reach global education goals.

By rallying a broad spectrum of world leaders and advocates, the initiative aims to raise the political profile of education, inspire new partnerships and mobilize more funding to deliver on the promises of Education for All.

The initiative focuses on three priority areas -- putting every child in school, improving the quality of learning and fostering global citizenship.