Mr. Chairman,

The Chinese delegation associates itself with the statement made by Argentina on behalf of G-77 and China.

Since the Second PrepCom in March, preparation for the Conference on Sustainable Development is moving forward smoothly thanks to the active efforts by all sides. Various regional commissions of the UN and many countries including China have held a series of regional or thematic meetings to discuss in depth questions such as the objectives, themes and expected outcome of the Conference. This has contributed to enhancing mutual understanding and agreement. At the same time, parties have presented their positions and views and submitted many propositions regarding the outcome of the Conference, which will certainly enrich our discussion and provide the groundwork for us to sort out the outcome in the next stage of the preparation.

Mr. Chairman,

China attaches great importance to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, and is pleased with the active participation of all sides in the preparatory process. We are ready to work with all sides to push for a comprehensive, balanced and pragmatic outcome of the Conference. At the end of October, China submitted to the Secretariat of the Conference a position paper that contains our detailed observations and position on the Conference and its outcome. Here, I’d like to highlight the following points.

First, the Outcome Document should aim at deepening the political will of all countries. The objective of the 2012 Conference is to comprehensively assess the progress to date and the remaining gaps in international efforts for sustainable development, and secure renewed political commitment in the face of new challenges. As the embodiment of this objective, the Outcome Document should send a clear and strong message on revitalizing international cooperation for sustainable development so as to prompt all sides to demonstrate political will, expedite the implementation of relevant international commitments, and push for positive results in international cooperation for sustainable development.

Second, the Outcome Document must firmly uphold the Rio principles, especially the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities”. This is a crucial factor which will decide whether consensus can be reached on the Outcome Document. The principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” is the basis and core of international cooperation for sustainable development, and also the key to the success of the Conference. Any attempt to reopen negotiation on this principle or to distort or deviate from this principle will spoil the cooperative atmosphere of the Conference and will not garner wide support.

Third, the Outcome Document should embody the principle of integrated development of the three pillars of economic growth, social development and environmental protection. As sustainable development covers a wide scope with many issues involved, the Outcome Document must adhere to the objective of sustainable development and take an integrated and balanced approach to economic, social and environmental factors.

Fourth, the Outcome Document should be pragmatic and action-oriented with a concrete implementation plan. It should be particularly clear about means of implementation the international community will resort to, such as financial support, technological transfer and capacity-building, in order to really help the developing countries address their difficulties and challenges in sustainable development.

Mr. Chairman,

As for the specific content of the Outcome Document, we believe that it should reflect the positions of all sides in a comprehensive, balanced and objective manner. On “a green economy in the context of poverty eradication and sustainable development”, we believe that while highlighting the positive effect of green economy on poverty eradication and economic restructuring, we should also recognize its accompanying risks and challenges. More importantly, we should solve the difficulties faced by the developing countries in pursuing green development. To this end, we must pay attention to the following three points. The first is to set poverty eradication as an important indicator in formulating and implementing the policy on green economy. The second is to respect specific conditions of various countries. As countries differ in their modes and levels of development and in their capabilities, they shouldn’t be subject to uniform criteria and indicators. The third is to refrain from using “green economy” as a pretext to attach “green conditions” to development aid, or setting new trade barriers to practice “green protectionism”. “Sustainable development goals” is rich in content and wide in scope. Placing it under this theme will hinder full and in-depth discussions.

The institutional framework for sustainable development should meet four requirements: it should fully demonstrate the central and leading role of the UN; it should help reinforce the function of existing mechanisms such as the ECOSOC and the CSD; it should encourage the international financial institutions, the WTO and multilateral development banks to incorporate the agenda of sustainable development into their planning and programming, and cooperate with relevant UN agencies to maximize effectiveness; and it should help increase the voice and decision making power of the developing countries in mechanisms for sustainable development.

Mr. Chairman,

The success of the negotiations on the Outcome Document requires our joint effort. Countries should all take an active part in the negotiations and work towards consensus. We hope that in the negotiations, all parties will act in the spirit of compromise, accommodation, cooperation and mutual benefit, fully take into account the difference between the developing and the developed countries in the level and stage of development, recognize the difficulties and problems facing the developing countries, respect each other, engage in friendly consultations, and expand the basis of consensus by seeking common grounds while putting aside differences in an effort to reach as soon as possible a comprehensive, balanced and pragmatic Outcome Document in the little time that is left.

Thank you, Mr.Chairman.