Your Excellency Ambassador Fu Cong,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Dear colleagues,
Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure to join you today at this special event.
At the outset, I extend my warm welcome to the Ministry of Natural Resources of China and the Huzhou Municipal Government. It is an honor to have you at this year’s High-Level Political Forum, to share your invaluable insights on advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This year, as we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, we are reminded of our collective commitment to a world of peace, dignity, and prosperity for all.
Yet, this milestone is set against a challenging backdrop.
The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025 reveals the undeniable reality: only 35 per cent of SDG targets are on track or making moderate progress. Nearly half are progressing too slowly. And most concerning, 18 per cent of targets have regressed below 2015 baseline levels.
In this critical moment, China’s strategic approach to development offers a powerful blueprint for aligning national strategy with local action and scientific innovations.
Today, we will explore China’s whole-of-government model, which seamlessly integrates ecological conservation, economic planning, and territorial governance. It offers valuable insights into how geospatial information and technology can serve as a strategic tool-set for SDG implementation.
A prime example is Huzhou City of Zhejiang Province of China, the birthplace of the Two Mountains Theory, and home to the UN Global Geospatial Knowledge and Innovation Center. Huzhou’s transformation is a testament to the principle that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, demonstrating how this philosophy can translate into concrete policies and tangible, positive impacts.
Excellencies,
At the heart of effective SDG implementation lies data, science, and innovation. This is where the UN system, especially the work of DESA, plays a critical role.
Geospatial information is paramount, telling us not only what is happening, but where and why it matters. This empowers us all —governments, researchers, citizens, and all stakeholders—to make informed decisions, track progress, and adapt to changing realities.
In line with the UN2.0 initiatives, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and transparency. We must continue to invest in data ecosystems that are reliable, timely, disaggregated, and accessible to all.
As this session of the High-Level Political Forum focuses on science-and evidence-based solutions, this message has never been more urgent and critical.
The UN remains deeply committed to supporting Member States in translating ambitions into action. Achieving the SDGs is not just about policies; it is a matter of partnership, persistence, and people.
I extend my sincere gratitude to our Chinese colleagues for their longstanding support and significant contributions.
I look forward to today’s discussions and our continued collaboration in building a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for all.
Thank you!