At UN, Premier Li discusses the importance of sustainable development

World Today

Li KeqiangChinese Premier Li Keqiang speaks during the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang stressed the importance of sustainable development in his address Wednesday at the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

He added that the lack of development is often at the root of many of the world’s ongoing problems including terrorism, poverty and climate change.

“Sustainable development is first and foremost about development and development underpins every human achievement, said Premier Li. “Without development nothing can be sustainable, the lack of development is often at the root of many of the world’s problems.”

Premier Li also noted his country’s commitment to a political solution in Syria, urging relevant parties to end fighting at an early date, as well as ensuring access to basic living conditions for refugees and migrants across the globe.

Premier Li’s full speech:

Story by the Associated Press and CCTV America.


Premier Li stresses sustainable development during UNGA

Implementing ambitious development goals has been a major theme at this year’s UN General Assembly. China’s Premier told world leaders than China is already moving its plan forward and will help the rest of the world to do so, too.

CCTV’s Nathan King reports the story.

Follow Nathan King on Twitter@nathanking


Sourabh Gupta discusses Premier Li’s speech

For more on Premier Li’s speech at the UNGA, CCTV America’s Rachelle Akuffo spoke with Sourabh Gupta, senior Asia-Pacific international relations policy specialist at the Institute for China-American Studies.


Cheng Li discusses China’s role in UNGA

For more information on China’s role on global governance, CCTV’s Asieh Namdar spoke with Cheng Li, Director and Senior Fellow of the John L. Thornton China Center at the Brookings Institution.