Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (C) chairs a roundtable on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Sept. 19, 2016. (Photo: Xinhua/Li Tao)
With the release of a national plan, China has again shown its commitment to fulfilling sustainable development goals.[Special coverage]
China released its plan for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development on Monday at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The plan, which includes China's achievements and experience in implementing the Millennium Development Goals, was unveiled by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang when he chaired a roundtable on the issue. It also covers challenges and opportunities, guiding principles, a roadmap and detailed plans for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 2030 Agenda, endorsed and launched at the UN Summit for Sustainable Development last year, is a blueprint for eradicating poverty worldwide for the years leading up to 2030.
At Monday's meeting, Li stressed eradicating poverty and hunger as the top priority.
As the world's largest developing country, China's commitment and experiences in these fields not only matter to the country and its people but also carry weight globally.
The premier said that as a responsible developing country, China is willing to cooperate internationally, increase investment in South-South cooperation, and share development experience and opportunities.
Earlier this month, the 2030 Agenda was also among the highlights at the Group of 20 (G20) summit, which was held in the east China city of Hangzhou.
Participants at Monday's roundtable recognized the important role China has played in carrying forward the 2030 Agenda within the G20 framework.
They also agreed that China has played a leading and creative role in areas such as implementing the SDGs, poverty eradication, dealing with climate change, and South-South Cooperation.
Monday's plan comprehensively presents China's development policy and its efforts to help other developing countries move forward in implementation.
With its practical actions, China has proved that talks and pledges are more than just lip service.
Prior to the latest plan, China had included poverty reduction targets in its national five-year plan. It has proposed the five development concepts of innovation, coordination, green development, opening up and sharing.
The progress in carrying out this blueprint is also evident.
Over the past 15 years, China has lifted over 400 million people out of poverty. Conditions for health and education have markedly improved as well.
Moreover, between 2011 and 2015, emissions of four major pollutants in China, including chemical oxygen demand, ammonia nitrogen, sulfur dioxide and nitric oxide, decreased 12.9 percent, 13 percent, 18 percent and 18.6 percent respectively.
These achievements will also inspire the world's confidence.
As the world looks to China for advice and answers, the country is more than willing to work with others and share its wisdom.
China has taken concrete steps in securing sustainable development and bringing common development and prosperity to the world. Hopefully more partners will join the cause.
