Mr. President, 

I thank you for convening this important meeting today. And I also thank Secretary-General Guterres for his briefing. 

China attaches great importance to the Our Common Agenda report. We believe it plays an important role in strengthening the role of the United Nations and responding to global challenges. It plays a very important part in this regard. We commend the Secretary-General’s efforts in promoting the follow-up implementation of the report. We also applaud the initial progress made in implementing the report and the trajectory we are on, including putting the implementation of the SDGs front and center. Of course, there is a lot that we can do in the future. I wish to share a few observations. 

First, we need to champion solidarity and trust. Solidarity and trust is the foundation and prerequisite for the UN to play its role, uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, practice true multilateralism, and work together to cope with global challenges. Without this, there will be nothing to speak of. During the general debate and the high-level week of the 78th UNGA session, we have heard a lot of references to solidarity, mutual trust, and cooperation. We must maintain this positive momentum, and oppose Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation, power politics, double standards, and all other acts that jeopardize solidarity and mutual trust.

Second, we need to make sure that the Summit of the Future will deliver hope to the world. The Summit has attracted much attention and expectation from the international community. Bearing in mind the shared interests of human society and interdependence between countries, we must reflect on what kind of future we need, and commit ourselves to common development and common security. The Pact for the Future should focus on key issues and vigorously promote the sustainable development agenda, instead of falling into fragmentation. Member States should be action-oriented. We need to not only propose forward-looking suggestions, but also translate slogans into concrete actions in addressing climate change, sustainable development, and other global challenges. The UN should welcome and encourage Member States’ practical initiatives for global challenges, and also support Member States in implementing those initiatives.

Third, we need to follow the Member States-driven principle. The UN is an intergovernmental organization, and its affairs should be driven by Member States. This is a principle enshrined in the UN Charter, which manifests the fundamental nature of the Organization and which must be firmly adhered to. Member States should make good use of this right to strengthen dialogue and cooperation, and work together to deliver more results for the UN’s cause. Regional organizations, NGOs, and civil society representatives can participate in the UN’s affairs and the implementation of Our Common Agenda, but the role they play and the rights they enjoy must be consistent with the responsibilities and obligations they assume.

Thank you, Mr. President.