Joint forces called upon to achieve SDGs in China

The China Business Summit on Achieving the SDGs discusses how business can best contribute to sustainable development in China.

Press release | Beijing, China | 07 December 2018
Beijing (ILO news) -- On 7 December 2018, at the invitation of China’s Enterprise Confederation and the United Nations Global Compact, the ILO participated in the China Business Summit on Achieving the SDGs in Beijing. The focus of this year’s Summit was on new drivers and innovation to achieve sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.

Zhu Hongren, Chairman of the Global Compact Network China
In his opening remarks, Mr Zhu Hongren, Chairman of the Global Compact Network China highlighted China’s remarkable efforts over the last 40 years of reform and opening up to meet the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Chinese companies made important contribution to poverty reduction, employment promotion, education and community development, climate change adaptation, and global partnerships, just to name a few. He also stressed the emergence and development of the digital economy as a new driver of sustainable development.

Nicholas Rosellini, UN Resident Coordinator in China
The UN Resident Coordinator in China, Mr Nicholas Rosellini, emphasised the key role that the business community has to play in achieving the SDGs. No sector alone can meet the challenge of leaving no one behind, as this requires the cooperation of all actors and entities. Cooperation between the public and private sector can unlock many opportunities, he noted.

“Doing business and pursuing social goals are not contradictory objectives” said Ms Claire Courteille-Mulder, Director of ILO Country Office for China and Mongolia. The ILO is committed to advancing social justice and decent work for all, as it has been doing for a century. By investing in workers, and by developing responsible business practices, including in their supply chains, businesses can enhance both their profitability and the country’s social outcomes.

The Global Compact Network China has grown up to over 300 companies since its establishment in 2011 and it plays an important role in promoting the SDGs in China. Side forums covering sustainable supply chains, compliance management, new economic development and the role of education and health sectors were held during the Summit.