China key to new UN development goals

Commencing in the same year as China's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20), the SDGs have the potential to reinforce both national-and provincial-level development strategies. According to President Xi's speech in May 2015 during a field visit to Zhejiang province, the 13th Five-Year Plan will emphasize both a stable economic growth and an overall human development agenda, including priority areas such as education, employment, social welfare and health.

President Xi also solicited ideas and inputs from provincial leaders, and identified 10 priority areas, including environmental issues (like eco-civilization), people's livelihoods and well-being and poverty eradication - all of which are well in line with the objectives envisaged under the new SDGs.

This process of engagement with, and inputs from provincial leaders, can also serve as a basis for China's prioritization of the SDGs and the collection of baseline data to monitor national progress from 2016 onwards. Such prioritization will also support the progress of the SDG agenda to the provincial level, which will be essential, as local governments are responsible for ensuring their plans correspond with the central government strategy.

Taking ownership of, and prioritizing and localizing the SDGs will offer a unique opportunity for China to take action on a global development agenda while making timely and useful links to achieve domestic priorities.

Many developing countries see China as an inspiration for achieving development results. In addition, with its leadership position related to the upcoming G20 presidency, and key role in development cooperation platforms such as the Forum of China Africa Cooperation, China can further enhance its impact on the overall global implementation of the SDGs.

The adoption of the SDGs is a breakthrough moment in our pursuit of a development that is shared by all and that is kind on our environment. China has contributed greatly to the achievement of this milestone agreement and has a key role to play going forward. The UN system in China stands ready to assist and work with the people of China in this process.

The author is a United Nations resident coordinator in China.