Anti-globalization will influence sustainable development progress

NEW YORK - Anti-globalization will hinder the international community from achieving a set of global goals aiming at eradicating poverty, promoting social equality and combating climate change, said Liu Zhenmin, new UN undersecretary-general for economic and social affairs.

In a recent interview with Xinhua News Agency, Liu said that the economic globalization is irreversible due to the establishment of the international division of labor and the volume of international trade. "Countries that question economic globalization can hardly escape this process."

Noting that a new round of anti-globalization had emerged since last year, Liu said it will have a huge impact on the implementation of the sustainable development goals agreed by UN member states which pursue the wellbeing of every human being on the planet.

In 2015, 193 UN member states adopted the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda which outlined 17 sustainable development goals and 169 specific targets. The agenda has vowed to end poverty in all its forms everywhere, especially to eradicate extreme poverty measured as people living on less than $1.25 dollar a day.

Liu, who assumed office as UN under-secretary-general on Tuesday, said one of his priorities in his tenure is to help UN member states to implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

Pointing out that some developing countries, least developed countries, and small island countries, have difficulties in promoting development due to a lack of experience and technology, Liu said helping developing countries with their capacity building will also be an important part of his work.

Prior to this position, Liu was vice-minister for foreign affairs of China since 2013. He was deeply involved for 10 years in climate change negotiations.

"We need to change our lifestyle, change our way of consumption of energy and transform into a low-carbon development pattern to achieve a sustainable development path," he said. "I hope we can promote the establishment of some cooperation mechanisms in this respect."

Speaking of China's role in global development, Liu said the UN is paying attention to China's efforts in promoting global development, especially China's launch of its Belt and Road Initiative. "We hope China can play a more active role in the framework of the United Nations in the future."

Xinhua