Companies Recognized for Commitments During 2016 China Summit on Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

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(Beijing, 22 August 2016) — Today marked the close of the 2016 China Summit on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Beijing. Hosted by the Global Compact Network China and co-organized by China Global Public Relations Company, the three-day event was also supported by the National Development and Reform Committee and the China Enterprise Confederation (CEC). The Summit was intended as an opportunity for Chinese companies to establish commitments to global development goals. 

Ms. Lise Kingo, Executive Director of United Nations Global Compact, addressed the Summit today, saying, “In this turbulent and changing world, challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity or global health risks are far too great for one sector to tackle alone. That is why Governments, the UN, and civil society are calling on the private sector as a critical partner in implementing the 2030 agenda. Looking around the room today,” Kingo added, “it is clear that companies in China and throughout the region are ready to answer the call.”  

Mr. Wang Zhongyu, Chairman of CEC, remarked on the improvements of the SDGs as compared with the previous Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Wang noted that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development not only aims to end global poverty and support worldwide economic growth, but also designs strategies for improving education and health, protecting our planet and mitigating climate change, among others. As the largest developing country in the world with the second largest economy, the development of China will not only improve the quality of life domestically, said Wang, but could become an engine for global sustainable development. 

Mr. Fu Chengyu, Member of the UN Global Compact Board and President of the Global Compact Network China (GCNC), said the Summit is an occasion to promote the SDGs as well as the five development goals of China. Fu expressed his hope for Chinese companies to take action and embed the SDGs into every aspect of their production and supply chain. Business can be an unprecedented driving force in achieving the SDGs and realizing global goals, said Fu.

Through multiple keynote speeches, topic-based panels, exhibits and the sharing of best practices, companies in China sent a message that they will continue to support the SDGs and contribute to economic development, social welfare and environmental protection. The Summit also saw the release of Chinese editions of four UN Global Compact publications, including “A Global Compact for Sustainable Development,” “SDG Compass,” “Making Global Goals Local Business” and “2016 Global Opportunity Report.” 

Kingo presented certificates to new participants of the Global Compact at the Summit. To date, GCNC has more than 300 business participants and has established a platform for Chinese companies to communicate with the UN and other international organizations. Kingo was also awarded with the “SDGs Inspirational Leadership Award” in recognition for her contributions to global sustainable development.