UN sustainable development symposium held in Tibet

A symposium for the implementation of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was held in Nyingch city, the Tibet autonomous region on Monday.

The symposium, jointly held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations System in China, attracted more than 100 Chinese and foreign participants.

It opened with a video message from the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

"This snowy plateau of Tibet is the epitome of harmony between material and ecological advancement that we pursue in our effort for sustainable development with Chinese features," said the minister.

He added that as this is the first year of implementation of the UN's sustainable development goals, it was crucial for countries around the world to seize every opportunity and translate their commitments into actions, turning goals into results.

The opening session was followed by a video message from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who said China had demonstrated great leadership and made remarkable commitments to advance the 2030 agenda.

"China's 13th Five-Year Plan has integrated the 2030 agenda to reflect the SDGs in the country's overall social, economic and environmental planning," said Ban.

David Nabarro, the special adviser of the Secretary-General on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Climate Change, noted China's achievements in lifting more than 400 million people out of poverty between 1990 and 2015.

"Implementing the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and promoting human development is the top of our agenda at this high-level symposium, we expect it to come up with creative and innovative solutions," said Nabarro.