The Sixth Annual Meeting on China's Sustainable Development Goals was on October 14, jointly organized by Renmin University of China (RUC) and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Luanda, the capital of Angola, which focused on the theme, “China and Africa Working Together Towards Modernization and Building a Community with a Shared Future for Humankind.”

At the opening ceremony, key speakers included Angela Braganca, secretary for policy and cadre development of the ruling People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), Zhang Bin, Chinese Ambassador to Angola, and Zhang Donggang, Chair of the University Council of RUC.

Zhang Donggang delivered the keynote speech, High-Quality Development Promoting China-Africa Cooperation. He highlighted the deep traditional friendship between China and Angola, emphasizing that sustainable development is critical for China and Africa in advancing modernization together. He also underlined that both peoples share a common aspiration for a better life, with sustainable development aligning with the mutual interests of both regions.

Zhang Donggang also pointed out that under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, China has adhered to a people-centered development philosophy and emphasized implementing the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This has led to internationally recognized achievements, such as the historic eradication of absolute poverty and significant improvements in social and ecological sectors. He further noted that China's modernization not only brings material and spiritual prosperity but also serves as a model for sustainable development worldwide, providing valuable insights and experience for the global community.

Bragança, representing the Angolan side, reflected on the long-standing cooperative relationship between Angola and China. She noted that the annual conference provides valuable insights into China's development and poverty alleviation efforts. Learning from China’s experience in reducing poverty, especially through the decisive role of the Chinese Communist Party’s leadership, could significantly help Angola in addressing its development challenges.

Ambassador Zhang Bin emphasized the strong bilateral relations between China and Angola, highlighting that the two countries have consistently maintained sincere and mutually beneficial cooperation since establishing diplomatic ties. He expressed optimism for further strengthening cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, especially since both countries elevated their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in March 2024.

The conference included thematic forums, with topics such as "China's Poverty Reduction and Economic Development Experience Under Party Leadership," "China-Angola and China-Africa Development Cooperation," and "Promoting Inclusive and Equitable Globalization." Experts, scholars, and local practitioners engaged in in-depth discussions on China’s poverty alleviation and modernization efforts, sharing valuable insights on governance and economic development.

Since its inception in 2019, the China Sustainable Development Annual Conference has become a significant academic platform for advancing global sustainable development goals. This year marks the second time the conference has been held in Angola, symbolizing deepening China-Africa cooperation and contributing valuable insights and solutions to global sustainable development initiatives.

More at Xinhua: https://english.news.cn/20241016/68590b74ba674fdb96311c7b985ad7fe/c.html