Strengthening Global South cooperation: Insights from Martin Chungong on China’s role in SDGs implementation

From August 19 to 28, 2024, China is hosting the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of China's National People's Congress's (NPC) affiliation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the 2024 Interregional Seminar on the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals for Parliaments of Developing Countries. In an interview, IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong praised China’s contributions to supporting parliaments in the Global South to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Chungong highlighted that China has provided crucial resources to the IPU, which have significantly benefited the relationship between the IPU, the NPC, and China overall. He also noted that the upcoming summit between African and Chinese leaders is a vital part of the South-South cooperation strategy, aimed at increasing the Global South’s presence in global governance systems.

“China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the vision of a Community with a Shared Future exemplify how to share prosperity and address common challenges globally,” said Chungong. He emphasized that China’s efforts in this regard serve as a model for other developing countries, particularly in tackling issues like poverty, climate change, and infrastructure deficits.