Asia Society President Vishakha Desai yesterday called on the entire world to share responsibility for sustainable development in the 21st century.

"Each individual or organization should take this into consideration while propelling global economic development," Desai said in her opening remarks in Tianjin yesterday at the 18th Asian Corporate Conference themed "A New Era for Global Business: Sustainable Growth for China and the World".

"It is an urgent topic as the Asia Society is committed to bringing the best development to both the United States and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region to share a common bright future," she said.

This year's sessions have focused on the bright future ahead for China and the world, including a mayors' forum discussing the challenges and opportunities of urbanization in modern Asia.

Distinguished panelists included Tianjin Mayor Huang Xingguo, Grace Fu, minister for National Development of Singapore and John So, mayor of Melbourne.

With rapidly increasing urban growth, particularly in India and China, panelists discussed how to best manage resources and improve infrastructure, with Sheila Dixit, chief minister of Delhi, adding the Indian perspective.

Desai said it was the third time in 18 years that the Asia Society had held its signature two-and-a-half-day business program on the Chinese mainland and it is remarkable how China's relationship to the world has changed over that time.

Yet even at this optimistic venue, Desai said it was difficult to put the recent devastation in Sichuan province out of one's mind.

China is still recovering from the Wenchuan earthquake of May 12, the worst natural disaster to strike the country in over 30 years, she noted in her opening remarks yesterday.

"Even in this time of mourning, it is inspiring to note the relief efforts and unwavering commitment of the Chinese people and the Chinese government, who have responded to this disaster quickly, selflessly and effectively," she said.

A donation box was set outside the conference venue for victims of the earthquake. The funds will be given to the relief cause through the Red Cross Society of China via the Tianjin Municipal People's Government.

(China Daily 05/30/2008 page21)