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BEIJING, Oct. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- President Xi Jinping on Monday said that the Chinese people will score more remarkable achievements and make greater contributions to the noble cause of peace and development of humanity.   Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a reception held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), which falls on Oct 1. Premier Li Qiang presided over the reception. Other state leaders Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attended the event together with around 3,000 Chinese and foreign guests. In his address, Xi conveyed high regard and warm greetings to people from all walks of life across the nation and heartfelt appreciation to friendly countries and international friends supporting China's modernization drive. On the new journey in the new era, the central task of the Party and the country is building China into a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization, said Xi. The Chinese president stressed that to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is the common aspiration of all Chinese people, including compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. He called for safeguarding and promoting the long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao, and underscored that the complete reunification of the motherland is an inevitable trend, a matter of righteousness, and the will of the people. Noting that human beings share one Earth, and the destinies of peoples around the world are interconnected, Xi said the common values of all humanity should be promoted, and an equal and orderly multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalization should be advocated for. He called for the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. Xi also warned of challenges and obstacles on the course of advancing Chinese modernization, and urged the nation to remain vigilant in times of peace and prepare for potential dangers. No difficulty can halt the progress of the Chinese people, he said.
BEIJING, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Several key statistics are some of the footnotes that the People's Republic of China has written over the past 75 years: GDP per capita has risen from a few dozen dollars in 1952 to $12,700 in 2023, average life expectancy has increased from 35 years to 78.6 years, and railway mileage has expanded from 22,000 kilometers to 159,000 kilometers, including 45,000 kilometers of high-speed rail… There are more comparisons across various sectors which demonstrate how China is marching forward with solid steps. At this historic juncture, it is crucial to understand what kind of path China has taken and what has empowered its great strides. The answers not only shed light on China's further quest for modernization but also offer inspiration for the rest of the world, particularly the Global South, in face of development challenges. Strong leadership China's modernization steps have been and will continue to be solid only under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Yang Xuedong, director of the Department of Political Sciences at Tsinghua University, saw the leadership in three layers – pioneer in exploration, the central pillar to unite all, and the ultimate guarantee in a crisis. The CPC is "a pioneer" in the senses of both ideology and practice, Yang told the Global Times. The CPC has envisioned the country's future path through the pursuit of Chinese modernization. With nearly 100 million Party members at different positions in all walks of life, the CPC also leads the effort in practice, Yang continued. Cohesion is vital for a country as unique as China, with its huge population, vast landscape, diverse ethnicities and cultures, and varying interests of different groups, analysts said. With Party organizations at various levels, the CPC effectively mobilizes people toward a common goal, Yang said. The CPC has also acted as a safeguard during major challenges, Yang noted. China's socialist cause had faced setbacks, but we can always overcome challenges with a strong leadership, analysts said. In face of profound global changes unseen in one century, the CPC fulfills its role in the duty of every Party member, as they participate in rural revitalization in villages, safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity along both land and sea borders, and strive to tackle cutthroat problems and make scientific and technological breakthroughs, they said. Clear road map China's path has a clear goal of achieving Chinese modernization and national rejuvenation, and a well-defined road map is guiding the great cause, Yang said. President Xi Jinping first introduced the concept of Chinese modernization in a speech he delivered to mark the CPC's centennial in July 2021. During the 20th CPC National Congress held in October 2022, Xi delivered a report which clarified five features of Chinese modernization, as well as the essential requirements and major principles of it. In July 2024, the third plenum of the 20th CPC Central Committee adopted a resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. According to analysts, there is a clear trajectory for how Chinese modernization was envisioned, enriched, and will be realized step by step. Yang particularly highlighted the keyword "people," which is crucial for this trajectory to succeed. A people-centered philosophy is reflected in China's system of democracy, its governance and pursuit of high-quality development. Yang said that China can pool all resources to complete major missions, overcome difficulties, and ensure that the fruits of development are shared by the people. Bojan Lalic, director of the Belt and Road Institute in Belgrade, noted that China's modernization is a comprehensive model with focus on the state's role, and the objectives incorporate development of infrastructure, technology and innovation, together with social progress. China also prioritizes environment and ecology, as well as sustainable development, and values culture and tradition in the process of modernization, Lalic said. Inspiration for world China's modernization is not only meaningful for the 1.4 billion Chinese people, or one-fifth of the world's population, but also offers development opportunities for others through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the three global initiatives – the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, analysts said. China has signed more than 230 BRI cooperation agreements with more than 150 countries and more than 30 international organizations, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Beyond immediate economic benefits, China engages in knowledge sharing and cultural exchanges with other countries and regions, showcasing the benefits of collaboration and a collective approach, Lalic said. Hamad Al Hosani, a senior research fellow at think tank TRENDS Research and Advisory in the United Arab Emirates, told the Global Times that China's approach has been gradual, emphasizing economic development alongside social and political continuity. The Chinese path demonstrated the importance of long-term planning, and the value of tailoring modernization strategies to each country's unique historical, cultural, and social context, Hosani noted. Lalic said he believes China's modernization journey provides pragmatic and adaptable insights for countries and regions facing development challenges. Countries can tailor approaches to their unique contexts while striving for sustainable growth and development, "the key is China is replacing zero-sum game with win-win cooperation," Lalic noted. President Xi has often said that only the wearer of the shoes knows if they fit or not, according to Xinhua. China's experience offers an alternative approach and contributes Chinese wisdom to global development, analysts said. For the world, China's modernization demonstrates how different governance models can coexist, promoting a more pluralistic understanding of progress and global cooperation, Hosani noted.
BEIJING, Sept. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from People's Daily: The Summit of the Future, recently concluded in the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York, adopted the Pact for the Future and its annexes -- the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations, outlining a blueprint for the future development of the world and calling for reforms in the international governance system to better address global challenges. Facing a fluid and turbulent world, it is urgent to revitalize multilateralism and promote reforms in global governance, so as to respond to the challenges of the times and create a better future. The international community should take the opportunity of the summit to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, jointly advance global governance, and deliver a bright future of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit for future generations. Amid international volatility and global challenges, the world sees an urgent need to strengthen global cooperation and improve global governance. The international community is making an increasingly louder voice for fairness, justice and the revitalization of multilateralism. At the summit, Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, said that the major challenges generated by the current unfair international economic order for developing countries have reached their most acute expression in current times. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, "Our world is going through a time of turbulence and a period of transition. We must take the first decisive steps towards updating and reforming international cooperation." Only by firmly upholding the international system with the UN at its center, the international order based on international law, and the norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, can multilateralism be implemented and global governance move forward. Faced with a myriad of global challenges, going it alone is not an option, and global cooperation must be pursued. The Pact for the Future and its annexes Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations cover five broad focus areas, including sustainable development, international peace and security, science and technology, youth and future generations, and transforming global governance. They emphasize the need to strengthen the multilateral system with the UN at its center and pledge to usher in a new era of multilateralism. Philemon Yang, president of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, said that the Pact for the Future represents the world body's pledge not only to address immediate crises, but lay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order. The international community should translate the broad consensus reached at the summit into concrete actions, letting the torch of multilateralism light up humanity's way forward. Safety is a fundamental need of people. The international community should uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs, respect the development path and social system chosen independently by the people of each country, and resist Cold War mentality and zero-sum games. It is important to take the legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously and insist on peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation. The international community must oppose the use or threat of force in international relations and work together to build a global community of security for all. Development is the eternal theme of human society. The Pact for the Future states that sustainable development in all of its three dimensions is a central goal in itself and that its achievement, leaving no-one behind, is and will always be a central objective of multilateralism. The international community should put development first, fully implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and put development back on the international agenda as a central priority. The international community should follow a people-centered development philosophy and advocate a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, so as to deliver the fruits of development to the people and ensure common prosperity for all countries. It is essential to strengthen the multilateral trading regime with the World Trade Organization at its center, keep global industrial and supply chains open and stable, and say no to any attempt to politicize, weaponize or impose security implications on economic and trade issues. A winner-takes-all approach is a sure way to lose the whole game, and the "small yard with high fences" would only imprison the builder and tear the world apart. Justice and fairness are common pursuits of all countries worldwide. All countries, regardless of their size and strength, are equal members of the international community. International affairs should be handled through consultation by all countries. The international community needs to build an equal and orderly multipolar world, and defend the UN-centered international system, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms of international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. It needs to strengthen the authority of international rule of law, reject the law of the jungle where the strong bully the weak, oppose acts of hegemonism such as unilateral sanctions, protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, promote greater democracy in international relations, and uphold international fairness and justice. In recent years, the Global South has grown significantly in influence, playing an increasingly important role in maintaining international fairness and justice and promoting world peace and development. The global governance system needs to adapt to the new realities of international political and economic development, and enhance the voice and representation of Global South countries. Scientific and technological advancements are a fundamental driving force of progress in this era. As the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation deepens, new opportunities and challenges have emerged for human society and global governance. The international community needs to keep abreast with the times, push back the frontier and explore new practices, and make global governance more just and equitable. To ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) benefits the progress of human civilization, the international community should follow the people-centered and AI-for-good principle, promote mutual respect, and strengthen AI-related rules and governance within the framework of the UN. It should support the UN in serving as the main channel in AI governance, enhance the representation and voice of developing countries, and ensure equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal rules for all countries in developing and governing AI technologies. This approach aims to address digital poverty and inequality, and support a fair digital transformation. The number-one reality in today's world is that all countries rise and fall together, and that the sure path to meeting the challenges is mutual assistance and win-win cooperation. Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out that practicing genuine multilateralism and supporting the UN's core role in international affairs has always been the principle of China's diplomacy, and this will remain unchanged. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible major country, China will continue to work with the international community to practice genuine multilateralism, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. China will advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilizations Initiative. Through these efforts, the country aims to steer the giant ship carrying all of humanity toward a bright future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress.
BEIJING, Sept. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For many foreigners, China may remain a mysterious land. However, for some China hands, the real China is credible, appealing and respectable. Their research and observations provide authentic reflections of China's transformation, mirroring the country's achievements and attractiveness. On October 1 of this year, the People's Republic of China (PRC) will celebrate the 75th anniversary of its founding. The Global Times launches a series titled "China Hands: My China Voyages" to share the connections, stories and insights of influential scholars and analysts who study China, narrating the changes and accomplishments they witness in China, and presenting a multifaceted view of the country. In the third article of the series, Arnaud Bertrand (Bertrand), a French entrepreneur and commentator on economics and geopolitics, shared his stories with Global Times (GT) reporter Li Aixin. GT: How did you come to be connected with China? Bertrand: My personal connection with China began when I studied at a university in Switzerland. On the first day in the student dormitory, I met a young Chinese lady named Junjun who lived across from me. Little did I know at the time that she would become my wife. After about one or two years, we got together. Through her, I discovered China. I traveled there for the first time with her, and we eventually moved to China together. This experience opened the door for me into the country. Then I traveled a lot in China and met many more Chinese people. I also studied traditional Chinese medicine, which deepened my understanding of Chinese philosophy. What really attracts me to China is how profoundly different the country is. I've visited 53 countries and lived in eight, so I have some experience with various cultures. However, China stands out as the most unique. China embraces the philosophy of yin and yang, where these opposites are not seen as good or bad but as interdependent. The goal is to seek balance and harmony. It is this completely different approach to understanding the world that fascinates me. I also have a deep appreciation for history and traditional Chinese culture. I love nothing more than to travel, especially in the countryside in China, discovering old, small traditional villages that haven't changed in 1,000 years. The people there still wear traditional costumes that have been preserved for centuries. I think China is very good at preserving its traditions and culture, which reflects a strong sense of duty. GT: In your opinion, what are the biggest achievements that China has made in the past 75 years? Bertrand: I think the biggest achievements are twofold. First, China has remained a sovereign country that can decide its own fate. Second, it has maintained peace. China made the difficult choice to remain a communist country while fostering good relations with the West. The Chinese government also cracked down hard on corruption, ensuring that China remains the master of its own destiny. This demonstrates impressive statecraft, as combating corruption is no easy task. Remaining peaceful is not easy to achieve either, because China is one of the countries with the most neighbors in the world. Additionally, it faces significant challenges within its own borders, particularly in relation to Xinjiang and Hong Kong. We shouldn't underestimate how difficult it is to maintain peace under these conditions. Remaining sovereign and peaceful has enabled China, both as a society and a state, to focus fully on economic development and to implement the necessary measures to make the country prosperous. The end result is well known: China has transitioned from a very poor and underdeveloped country in 1949 to the second-largest economy in the world today. GT: What's your view on China's contributions to the international community over the past 75 years, especially regarding the three global initiatives, the Belt and Road Initiative and the concept of a global community of shared future? Bertrand: All these initiatives, when examined closely, are a logical continuation of what China has contributed to the world over the past 75 years. First of all, China is living proof that there is no one-size-fits-all system for all countries. The Chinese experience demonstrates that each country needs to find a path that suits its own context, culture and history. This is essentially what the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global Civilization Initiative advocate, which suggests you can only develop by adopting their rules and becoming a mirror image of them. The second point is that China truly believes in multilateralism. In fact, among the world's major powers, China is likely the one that most values the importance of multilateral institutions and the establishment of rules for all countries, as opposed to a world governed by the principle of "might makes right." Multilateralism is the concept of a global community of shared future, which aligns with the GDI that China is trying to promote. Sadly, this is not the trend in the world today. However, I predict that this is a temporary situation because the vast majority of the world is on China's side in this regard. They want rules to apply equally to everyone and seek a fair world where power does not dictate respect for those rules. They want the world to be a global community of shared future, rather than resembling a feudal system where the majority of the planet exists in servitude to the most powerful states. I believe this reflects a historical trend, and China should continue to advocate for this vision, as it has been doing. These initiatives stem from 75 years of China's experience, diplomatic tradition and exchanges with the international community. GT: What do you think reform and opening-up have brought to China and the world? Bertrand: Reform and opening-up have brought unprecedented prosperity to China in the modern era and have had a profound effect on the world, enabling China to become a manufacturing superpower. This shift allowed Western companies to make immense profits by producing in China, giving consumers access to a wealth of products. The very lesson of reform and opening-up is that China grew strong by engaging with the world. China should promote its vision of a global community of shared future, emphasizing coexistence. China should continue to articulate its positive vision, where there are no winners or losers, and focus on further opening up. The more people understand China, the less fear there will be, as knowledge is a powerful antidote to negativity.
BEIJING, Sept. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In an era marked by unprecedented global transformations, the world stands at a critical crossroads, grappling with deepening deficits in peace, development, security, and governance. As humanity faces unparalleled challenges during this tumultuous period, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, has put forth a solemn call to action through the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). The three pivotal initiatives address the pressing issues of our time, offering viable pathways and robust support for the building of a global community of shared future. Rooted in the rich historical experiences of the CPC's century-long struggle and infused with the wisdom of China's traditional culture, these initiatives are expected to unite the world in the pursuit of common progress and stability. To offer a deep understanding of the GDI, the GSI, and the GCI, and elaborate on their significance on a global scale, the Global Times is launching series of articles featuring engaging stories and in-depth interviews to provide our readers with a comprehensive insight into the three initiatives. From 'Convention of Peking' to 'Beijing Declaration' In April 2022, President Xi proposed the GSI to promote universal security while delivering a keynote speech via video link at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2022. The initiative is a global public good offered by China, as well as a vivid illustration of the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind in the security field. On July 23, 2024, 14 Palestinian factions gathered in Beijing and signed the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity after participating in reconciliation talks mediated by China, a lively demonstration of the GSI's function in practice, which many international observers hailed China for having "made something impossible possible," and regarded it as a milestone in the Middle East reconciliation process. "Palestinian unity is key to the realization of Palestinian statehood and China is committed to facilitating it," read an article on news outlet Al Jazeera. "The Palestinian question is at the core of the Middle East issue. Over the past years, China has put forward proposals and taken action to address the Palestinian question with Chinese wisdom and solutions," stated the article. China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular media briefing on July 24, that "China firmly supports the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights, and supports the people of Middle East countries in holding their future in their own hands. China will continue to advance the GSI and make more contribution to peace and stability in the Middle East." On the day that the "Beijing Declaration" was signed, many Chinese people hailed the important step in peace in the Middle East and shared the sentiment "Because we have been caught in the rain, we want to hold an umbrella for others" on social media platforms. They recalled the history that 164 years ago, the Qing government was forced to sign the humiliating "Convention of Peking" in 1860, which included ceding territories and paying indemnities. That dark era saw China reduced to a semi-feudal and semi-colonial society, when bullying by foreign powers and frequent wars tore the country apart and plunged the Chinese people into an abyss of great suffering. After a strenuous fight, the CPC has closely united and led the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to work hard for a century to put an end to China's national humiliation, guiding the country to progress and prosperity. The past suffering is not merely a reminder of a dark history; it has also made the Chinese people more sympathetic to the suffering of others and has deepened their understanding of the value of peace. Turkish Ambassador to China İsmail Hakkı Musa hailed the significance of the GSI in an exclusive interview with the Global Times. "The GSI has its own rations. It focuses on sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and [the] peaceful settlement of the disputes. You may have noticed that too many people - too many analysts - defended the idea that, for example, the role assumed by China between the approach of Saudi Arabia and Iran was a kind of application or practice of this initiative," Musa said. "We all know that this approach is a good thing. Lesser tension in that region is an important contribution to the world peace," he stressed. In practice, China is not only playing an unselfish, active role in the brokering of peace in the Middle East while some other countries ignore human lives for selfish interests, but has also become an important force in maintaining world peace. Since the restoration of its legitimate seat in the United Nations, China has faithfully fulfilled its international legal obligations as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Currently, China is the second-largest contributor to the UN's regular budget, the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, and the largest troop-contributing nation among the permanent members of the Security Council. China actively participates in negotiations and the formulation of rules on global security issues in various fields, including international arms control and preventing nuclear proliferation. It also collaborates with various parties in non-traditional security areas such as counter-terrorism, biosecurity, and food security. In the face of ongoing hotspot issues, China is committed to playing the role of a responsible major power. Right to development In the heart of Africa, where the sun shines brightly and the needs of the people are as vast as the savannah, a new story of development is unfolding. It's a tale of "small but beautiful" projects born from China-Africa cooperation, ranging from crop cultivation and maize growth and combating the region's hunger issue, to clean energy projects that provide affordable new energy, and to the Luban Workshop, which offers training to many in Africa. The implementation of these "small and beautiful" projects echoes the GDI's call for sustainable and people-centric growth. Three years ago, Xi proposed the GDI at the general debate of the 76th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, calling for the building of a consensus in pursuing development, promoting shared growth, and helping accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. China achieved the goal of eradicating absolute poverty 10 years ahead of the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, making significant contributions to global poverty alleviation efforts. Internationally, China is fully committed to development, actively sharing its development opportunities and experiences with other countries, especially with those in the Global South. Since the initiative was proposed, the content has been consistently substantialized, with its implementation mechanisms becoming more refined over time. This has led to the gradual establishment of practical cooperation within its framework, providing China's approach to addressing the development gap in Global South countries. At the just concluded 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the China-Africa Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation within the Framework of the Global Development Initiative was released. "Since the launch of the GDI, China and Africa have joined forces and mutually supported each other in exploring paths toward modernization, further implementing the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035, advancing the nine programs to a high standard, as well as completing 175 'small and beautiful' livelihood cooperation projects," read the statement. More than 30 African members of the FOCAC have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI and the Global Development Promotion Center Network to put in place an efficient working mechanism and platform for alignment in development policies, coordination of development resources, and facilitation of joint actions. Shakeel Ahmad Ramay, CEO of the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development in Pakistan, told the Global Times that he believes that the GDI, which advocates that development "holds the master key" to solving problems and ensuring sustainable peace, is what the world is desperately seeking now. He noted that apart from Africa, other Global South countries are benefiting from the GDI and China's development dividends. "Without sharing the dividends of development, we cannot preach ethics, and the dream of peace will remain a dream. Without cooperation, concrete programs, and the allocation of financial resources, we cannot achieve these goals. China is cognizant of this reality and has launched numerous programs and provided financial support such as $4 billion to the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund," he said. Musa noted to the Global Times that "China initiated the concept of the 'right to development.' The GDI also offers action-based policies and result-based projects." According to China's Foreign Ministry, over the last three years, the GDI has made remarkable achievements. Over 100 countries and some international organizations have given support to or taken part in the initiative. More than 80 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI. China has set up a Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, which has financed over 150 programs. The Global Development Promotion Center Network is bringing more members on board. "The GDI was put forward by China, but its opportunities and benefits are shared by the world. On the path toward development and prosperity, no country or individual should be left behind. This is the vision of the GDI, as well as the goal advocated by the UN," Mao Ning said at a regular media briefing on September 20, 2024. Respect for diverse civilizations In March 2023, Xi proposed the GCI for the first time at the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting, advocating for the respect of the diversity of world civilizations, the promotion of common values for all humanity, the emphasis on the inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and the strengthening of international cultural exchange and cooperation. The initiative is another major public product offered to the world by China after the GDI and the GSI. It sends a sincere call to the world to deepen the dialogue of civilization exchanges and promote the progress of human civilization through inclusiveness and mutual learning, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to promote a higher level of international cooperation, experts said. Shahbaz Khan, director of the UNESCO Regional Office, told the Global Times that the GCI aligns with UNESCO's mission to foster respect for cultures worldwide, particularly those that possess outstanding universal value. China now boasts 59 World Heritage sites, including the Beijing Central Axis, a "remarkable example" of urban heritage that showcases advancements from the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) to the present day, Khan said. In recent years, China has enhanced communication and coordination with UNESCO, working with all parties to promote the implementation of the United Nations' Global Agenda for Dialogue among Civilizations, strengthening dialogue and exchange among civilizations, and increasing the sharing of values, concepts, and experiences behind the policies of various countries, jointly exploring solutions to global challenges and issues. Ramay noted that the GCI, together with GDI and GSI, "negates the idea of superiority and present the vision of equality and equity built on respect for diversity and cultures. The vision categorically highlighted the need for a fair and just system where everyone (country or human) can pursue the dream of development and peace." "These initiatives promote the idea of resolving conflicts or disputes through dialogue and development to strengthen peaceful and cooperative co-existence. Thus, the world welcomed the initiative, especially the Global South," he said. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202409/1320506.shtml
UNCCD COP16 in December aims to be turning point in the global fight against land degradation, desertification and drought NEW YORK, Sept. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Saudi Arabia has called on the world's policymakers to urgently address land degradation, drought and desertification ahead of the 16th UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16 in Riyadh in December. Every second, an equivalent of four football fields of healthy land becomes degraded, totaling 100 million hectares every year. Incoming COP16 President and Saudi Arabia Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, addresses the Road to Riyadh event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Thursday, Sept 26, 2024. At their "Road to Riyadh" event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, opened by Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia urged delegates to prepare to take decisive action in December, outlining a roadmap for international action and engagement and unveiling the thematic program for the COP. Incoming COP16 President and Saudi Arabia Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, said, "This is a pivotal moment for our planet. Land restoration is vital to securing a prosperous future for generations to come." "It is crucial the international community unites to deliver ambitious and lasting solutions that curb land degradation, combat drought, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources," added Minister AlFadley. "We must strengthen international cooperation to address the pressing environmental challenges facing our planet." Minister AlFadley also emphasized that Saudi Arabia's hosting of COP16 reflects its commitment to environmental preservation and restoration, both domestically and internationally, citing initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative, the Middle East Green Initiative, and the G20 Global Land Initiative. While land degradation trends vary across regions, UNCCD data warns that, if current patterns continue, the world will need to restore 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030 to meet the Land Degradation Neutrality targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals. In Riyadh, under the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Presidency of COP16, there will be a strong push for more concrete commitments to accelerate restoration efforts and meet this critical goal. Senior stakeholders from international organizations, government and civil society also addressed the growing need to increase ambition and address the global challenges caused by land degradation, including drought, food insecurity and forced migration, alongside the urgent need for multilateral action to them to tackle them. UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw said: "Land degradation and drought affect nearly half the world's population, especially indigenous communities, smallholder farmers, women, and youth. COP16 in Riyadh will be a pivotal moment to accelerate large-scale land restoration and boost drought resilience, with multiple benefits for people, nature and climate. Our success depends on the ambition of all parties and our commitment to resetting our relationship with the land for future generations." According to the UNCCD, up to 40% of the world's land is already degraded, directly affecting an estimated 3.2 billion people. At the same time, droughts are occurring more frequently and with greater intensity – up 29% since 2000. An estimated 75% of people globally will be affected by drought by 2050. About COP16 Riyadh: The conference will take place December 2-13, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and will be the first UNCCD COP to feature a Green Zone, providing a space for business and civil society to deliver lasting solutions to land degradation, desertification and drought. For more information, please visit UNCCDCOP16.org. Journalists are invited to apply for accreditation via the UNCCD's Online Registration System. For media enquiries, please contact: media@unccdcop16.org or press@unccd.int.
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