Boao Forum for Asia Economist Roundtable 2022

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I thank Mr. Li Baodong, Secretary General of the Boao Forum for Asia, for inviting me to participate in the Ambassadors Roundtable.

Today, the global economy faces an increasingly gloomy and uncertain outlook, given the lingering impacts of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and widespread climate change-related disasters.

Consequently, the International Monetary Fund has projected that economic growth in Asia and the Pacific this year will decelerate to 4.2 per cent, slower than the 6.5 per cent growth in 2021.

Meanwhile, the planet is in severe distress, as demonstrated in the region by the recent tragic floods in Pakistan and heatwaves in China.

Given this context and increasing division, it is no wonder that many people, particularly younger generations, are experiencing increasing fear, anxiety, anger, and grief.

Therefore we gather at this forum to find common ground and discuss global solutions to the profound global challenges we confront.

The United Nations was created out of the ashes of war and destruction, to be “a well of solutions”, on the premise that when we unite around common principles and objectives, we can achieve change.

 Solidarity and international cooperation remain our tools for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

China, the world’s second largest economy, must play a critical role in this global endeavour.

Since the introduction of reforms in the late 1970s, the UN has witnessed profound social and economic changes as a trusted partner of China in support of its national development priorities.

Today, the UN family in China works to provide technical expertise and support to China as it aims to share its useful development experience and assistance with other countries.

For example, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) supports China’s activities under the framework of South-South Cooperation, through demand-based and two-way knowledge exchanges, and by increasing institutional capacities to ensure these efforts advance the SDGs.

As UN Resident Coordinator in China, it has been my high priority to facilitate a balanced development partnership between China and Africa, particularly in the implementation of commitments made under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Here, the UN in China has offered its expertise and knowledge, with a view to ensure that China-Africa cooperation is demand-driven and is in line with local needs and national development priorities.

Additionally, opportunities such as the Global Development Initiative (GDI) hold the potential to accelerate global progress on the SDGs, if they are well aligned with recognized international norms and standards.

On this, the UN in China is prepared to work with the Government of China to better equip the GDI in pursuing this objective, in cooperation with other Member States.  

Dear friends,

There can be no peace without development, no development without peace, and neither can be achieved without respect for universal human rights.

But we must not forget that our hope for a better future depends on realizing the promise of the next generation.

Young people are the leaders of tomorrow, and should be at the centre of our efforts to address global challenges and build more sustainable, just and peaceful societies.

It is appropriate that as UN Day approaches, youth will also be at the centre of our upcoming celebrations in October.

I wish you productive deliberations in today’s discussion.

Thank you.