Five years have passed since the United Nations (UN) adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). Faced with a devastating pandemic and a rising trend of unilateralism, the international body now needs to find a way to meet these goals in the remaining period of less than 10 years.

A forum titled "UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals & China's Experience on Poverty Reduction" kicked off on Wednesday to mark the 75th anniversary of the UN as well as the fifth year of the adoption of the SDGs. At least 140 representatives from 39 countries and regions participated in the opening ceremony.

While sharing their views on China's anti-poverty efforts, the participants explored ways to facilitate the global pursuit of the 17 goals.

China's experience in poverty reduction

Over the past 40 years, China has lifted more than 700 million people out of poverty. The number of impoverished people in China fell from 98.99 million in 2012 to 5.51 million in 2019, a reduction of poverty headcount ratio from 10.2 to 0.6 percent.

China is expected to complete its poverty alleviation targets by the end of this year, and if the mission is accomplished, the country would meet the UN's poverty alleviation goal a decade ahead of schedule.

Many Chinese companies, organizations and individuals have been making contributions to reaching the country's poverty alleviation goals. China Media Group (CMG), as a Chinese broadcaster, has also been playing its part. 

CMG promoted more than 130 agricultural and sideline products, contributing over 100,000 minutes of screen time and investing resources with a market value of 6.8 billion yuan (995 million U.S. dollars). It also provided free advertising services for some programs.

More than 3.5 million households and 13 million people living below the poverty line have benefited from the scheme.

Voices from around the globe

A number of world leaders, scholars and experts spoke at the first day of the event.

Former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon spoke highly of China's achievements in national development and poverty alleviation. He stressed that the world needs cooperation and more efforts amid increasing uncertainties.

Yves Leterme, former prime minister of Belgium, emphasized the UN's role in meeting the SDGs by 2030. He said "global challenges need global answers" and it was imperative to strengthen the UN through international cooperation.

Jeffrey Sachs, professor at Columbia University, talked about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world economy. Sachs pointed out that it is not time for a trade war and fighting against the pandemic should be the priority.

At the sub-forums, participants shared their views on the impacts of COVID-19 on the development of the global economy as well as the SDGs.