Report on China’s Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals through South-South Cooperation

Introduction: Aligning with the 2030 Agenda

On the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry affirmed China’s commitment to advancing South-South Cooperation. The focus remains on promoting shared development and assisting Global South countries in overcoming poverty, in direct support of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Achieving SDG 1: No Poverty

China’s domestic success in poverty eradication serves as a significant contribution and model for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 1 (No Poverty) on a global scale.

• China successfully lifted 800 million people out of poverty, meeting the UN 2030 Agenda’s poverty reduction target ahead of schedule.
• This achievement provides inspiration and confidence for other nations in the Global South.
• The nation reiterates the principle that “no one should be left behind in poverty eradication,” pledging continued support for global efforts.

Strategic Framework for Global Poverty Reduction

China provides systemic support for global poverty reduction through a structured approach designed to be precise and effective, contributing to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

1. Strategic Models: Offering tailored, demand-driven, precise, and dynamic poverty alleviation strategies as actionable models.
2. Technical Assistance: Providing expertise in key development areas.
3. Financial Support: Mobilizing funds for development projects.
4. Capacity Building: Enhancing the ability of partner nations to implement their own development programs.
5. Platform Creation: Fostering international cooperation and knowledge sharing.

Key Initiatives and Their Impact on SDGs

Two major Chinese-led initiatives are highlighted as primary vehicles for promoting the SDGs across the Global South.

• The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): This initiative has directly contributed to SDG 1 (No Poverty) by helping more than 40 million people overcome poverty. It also supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
• The Global Development Initiative (GDI): The GDI effectively supports poverty reduction and development by rallying international consensus, mobilizing funds, and advancing cooperation in line with the priorities of the Global South.

Tangible Contributions to Development

China’s efforts have resulted in concrete projects that improve livelihoods and foster sustainable development across multiple sectors.

• Infrastructure for Development (SDG 9): Construction of essential infrastructure such as irrigation wells, roads, and bridges.
• Food Security and Agriculture (SDG 2): Promotion of advanced agricultural technologies, including juncao cultivation and hybrid rice.
• Livelihood Improvement: Implementation of both landmark projects and small-scale livelihood initiatives to directly improve living conditions.

Future Commitment to Shared Prosperity

The spokesperson concluded by reaffirming China’s ongoing commitment to global development. China will continue to support global poverty reduction through concrete actions, with the goal of fostering shared prosperity and nurturing hope in partnership with Global South nations, fully aligning with the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of SDGs in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article primarily addresses two Sustainable Development Goals:

   • SDG 1: No Poverty: The central theme of the article is poverty eradication. It explicitly mentions China’s success in lifting “800 million people out of poverty” and meeting the “UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda’s poverty reduction target ahead of schedule.” The entire discussion revolves around global poverty reduction efforts and the goal that “No one should be left behind in poverty eradication.”
   • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article is framed around the “United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation” and highlights China’s commitment to this model. It details how China leverages partnerships through initiatives like the “Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)” and the “Global Development Initiative (GDI)” to promote “shared development in the Global South.” The text emphasizes mechanisms like “technical assistance, financial support, capacity building, and platform creation” as forms of international cooperation.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

   • Target 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere. The article directly references this by stating China has eradicated “absolute poverty” and met the UN’s “poverty reduction target ahead of schedule.” The focus on helping other nations “overcome poverty challenges” through initiatives like the BRI, which has “helped more than 40 million people overcome poverty,” directly aligns with this target of global poverty eradication.
   • Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries to support national plans to implement all the sustainable development goals, including through North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation. The article’s emphasis on “South-South Cooperation” is the core of this target. It details China’s approach of providing “technical assistance, financial support, capacity building, and platform creation” as systemic support for global poverty reduction, which are all forms of enhanced international support and capacity-building.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   Yes, the article mentions both quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

   • Quantitative Indicators for Target 1.1: The article provides specific numbers that serve as direct progress indicators for poverty reduction.
     • The figure of “800 million people” lifted out of poverty in China is a measure of national achievement against the poverty target.
     • The statement that the BRI has “helped more than 40 million people overcome poverty” is a direct indicator of the impact of international cooperation on poverty reduction in other countries.
   • Qualitative and Implied Indicators for Target 17.9: The article implies indicators by listing the types of support and specific projects that demonstrate the implementation of South-South cooperation and capacity-building.
     • The provision of “technical assistance, financial support, capacity building, and platform creation” serves as an indicator of the mechanisms being used for cooperation.
     • Specific examples of projects like “irrigation wells to roads and bridges” (infrastructure development), and “juncao cultivation to hybrid rice” (agricultural technology transfer) are tangible, implied indicators of successful capacity-building and knowledge sharing aimed at improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 1: No Poverty	Target 1.1: Eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere.	Number of people lifted out of poverty (e.g., “800 million people” in China). Number of people who have overcome poverty through international initiatives (e.g., “more than 40 million people” via the BRI).
   SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals	Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries… including through South-South cooperation.	Provision of systemic support (e.g., “technical assistance, financial support, capacity building”). Implementation of specific development projects (e.g., “irrigation wells,” “roads and bridges”). Transfer of technology and knowledge (e.g., “juncao cultivation,” “hybrid rice”).

Source: globaltimes.cn