Development still the goal

Fifteen years ago, the United Nations published its historical Millennium Declaration, which mapped out the Millennium Development Goals.

In the milestone document, UN members, including China, committed themselves to jointly conquering poverty, ignorance and diseases by the end of 2015.

China has submitted a satisfactory answer sheet in its efforts to realize the MGDs, with UN reports over the 15 years speaking highly of China's actions to implement the MDGs.

For example, the Food and Agriculture Organization awarded China an MDG achievement prize last year for reducing its population living in extreme poverty and hunger by half two years ahead of the MDGs deadline.

Since 2004, China has achieved a growth in grain output for 11 consecutive years, continuously realizing the goal of feeding nearly 20 percent of world's population with less than 10 percent of world's arable land. And the country has scored notable achievements in improving its healthcare, education and drinking water safety, especially in rural areas.

However, the problem of development still remains an arduous task worldwide. Many development targets have become unattainable due to conflicts and wars.

It is hoped that world leaders will map out a new development blueprint and inject new vitality into world development when they gather for a development summit in September.

The above is from a People's Daily article published on Friday.