China’s idea, “mass entrepreneurship and innovation”, was endorsed in a resolution passed at the 71st Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly on April 27.
The No. 284 resolution designated April 21 as World Creativity and Innovation Day. It acknowledged that “innovation is essential for harnessing the economic potential of each nation and it creates jobs and expand opportunities for all, including women and youth.”
Liu Jieyi, China’s ambassador in the United Nations, said the resolution shows that China’s efforts have become part of the international solution for economic development and job creation.
During the discussion, China’s program to promote innovation was endorsed by many countries, especially developing countries that believe it’s an answer to many problems.
Xu Haoliang, Assistant Secretary-General of the UN, said innovation is particularly crucial for developing countries. “They can innovate by themselves while absorbing advanced technologies from developed countries at the same time, taking the late starter’s advantage,” he said.
“China can share its experiences of promoting innovation and entrepreneurship and lead other countries,” he added.
China’s appeal for “mass innovation and entrepreneurship” was first proposed by Premier Li Keqiang at the Summer Davos Forum held in China’s Tianjin in September 2014. He also emphasized this in the government work report at the annual National People’s Congress in 2015, which lead to many policies promoting innovation.
Innovation’s critical role in economic development has become an international consensus. According to a report on creative economy published by UNESCO and NUDP, creativity and innovation by both individuals and organizations become real treasures for each country.
“The dependence on consuming natural resources and cheap labor for economic development has is outdated now, as the gap between rich and poor countries is expanding and conflict is escalating between economic growth and environment, resources and population,” said Xu.
