The “Global Development: Common Mission and Contributions ”High-level Think Tank & Media Forum opened in Beijing on July 4.

Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, read out a congratulatory letter from President Xi Jinping and delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony. Shi Taifeng, President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), and Lu Hao, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC), attended and addressed the event.

The forum was hosted by the State Council Information Office and co-organized by the CASS, DRC and the China Media Group.

Huang Kunming pointed out that the congratulatory letter profoundly clarified the situation and challenges facing global development, and clearly articulated the concepts and propositions of implementing the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and advancing this cause, thereby providing important guidance for the success of this forum and pooling of synergy for development.

Huang emphasized that at this critical juncture in the course of global development, the GDI proposed by President Xi Jinping has received wide and enthusiastic support from the international community and has become an accelerator for the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and a booster for global development cooperation. The initiative conforms to the prevailing trend of world development and meets the expectations of people from all over the world, he said, adding that it contributes a Chinese plan to face the changes of the times and respond to the questions of the times, and answers major questions such as what kind of global development to pursue and how to pursue it. The initiative demonstrates the concept of people-centered development that relies on the people’s strength and ensures that all share in the benefits, according to Huang. To promote global development, action is the first priority, mutual learning is the key, and solidarity is the most important, he noted. China is willing to work with other countries to continuously meet people's expectations for a better life, and to join hands to create a new era of global development featuring inclusive, balanced, coordinated and inclusive development, win-win cooperation and common prosperity, Huang said.

Lu said DRC is greatly inspired by the congratulatory letter and will earnestly implement the GDI, actively play their role as a think tank and make new contributions to the global development cause.

More than 200 representatives from more than 60 countries, regions and international organizations attended the event both online and offline.