New York, 21 January 2022 (TDI): China’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN) launched the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) on Thursday. China’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Zhang Jun hosted the event.

He stated that the GDI proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping calls for more eminent global synergy to accelerate the enactment of the 2030 Agenda so as to achieve a greener, stronger, and healthier international development.

“China looks forward to working with all parties to continuously improve the group’s mechanism and deepen cooperation in key areas; to build the group into an effective platform for exchanging experience, enhancing cooperation and seeking common development”

The Global Development Initiative is indeed pertinent as it has a far-reaching influence. According to Zhang Jun, ever since the introduction of the GDI, it has been warmly received by the international community. Moreover, about 100 countries as well as multiple international organizations, like the UN, have voiced their approval.

The Chinese Representative further stated that China looks forward to working with all parties for the implementation of the initiative to accomplish the four objectives; renewing commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), re-prioritizing development, reactivating development cooperation, and revitalizing global partnerships.

He further highlighted that the establishment of the Group of Friends strives to pursue greater complementarity between the 2030 Agenda and the GDI, along with supporting the work of the UN in the area of development, as well as helping developing countries combat the Covid-19 pandemic and execute the 2030 Agenda.

Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General enunciated in her remarks that the UN supports and welcomes the GDI. She expressed confidence that the initiative will enable the UN to uphold its promise of “leaving no one behind.”

In addition, she expressed that the GDI demonstrates China’s persistent adherence to supporting the SDGs and that she was looking forward to practicing working with the Group of Friends.

Liu Zhenmin, Undersecretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, and heads of the UN Development Programme, the UN Children’s Fund, UN Women, amongst other UN leaders, also communicated their firm desire to align with China on the GDI and promote collaboration in priority zones.

The GDI is the true embodiment of the predominant trend of international development and aspires to manage the urgent challenges faced by all countries, particularly the developing ones.

The event was attended by almost two dozen of leaders of UN agencies as well as representatives from over 100 countries, including more than 80 Ambassadors. The representative of Lao PDR also attended the event. Lao PDR or Laos is one of the members of the GDI.

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