Chinese FM proposes further implementing Global Development Initiative

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday hosted a ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI).

Addressing the meeting, Wang called on the international community to make joint efforts to advance the GDI, putting forward a three-point proposal in this respect.

First, it is necessary to promote greater coordination and efficiency, and strengthen the leading role of the UN development system.

He urged efforts to synergize the GDI with mechanisms such as Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy and Finance, and High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

At the UN level, Wang said a working mechanism for advancing the initiative should be established as soon as possible, and relevant specialized agencies should take the lead in synergizing the key areas of the initiative according to their main responsibilities, making good use of the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund and the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund to mobilize and pool more resources.

Second, it is necessary to uphold extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and pool collective wisdom and strength.

Wang called for promoting mechanism building for the "Group of Friends," designating coordinator countries in important fields and regions, integrate the initiative with various countries' development needs as well as regional and sub-regional strategies, and proposing new projects.

Members of the "Group of Friends" should strengthen strategic communication, continue to speak with one voice, and work together for positive outcomes at the mid-term review of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals Summit next year.

Third, it is necessary to champion inclusiveness and common progress, and reinvigorate global development partnerships.

Wang voiced hope that developed countries will fulfill their official assistance obligations, participate in GDI projects, and provide more support for developing countries, and for underdeveloped countries and small island states in particular.

He expected the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and other international and regional development institutions to actively participate in the initiative, and provide more financial support for developing countries.