UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 31 -- The Chinese people have full confidence in the prospects of development and are working hard to realize the Chinese dream of national renewal, China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang told the Fourth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament Monday.

"As the biggest developing country in the world, China has made great strides in its development. This progress has been possible thanks to the consistent pursuit of the Chinese people for a better future and their unremitting efforts to explore the right way forward," said Zhang.

He noted that to achieve national strength, rejuvenation and happiness has been "the common aspiration" of the Chinese people since the modern times.

"The Chinese people have full confidence in the prospects of development and are working hard to meet the two centenary goals and realize the Chinese dream of national renewal," Zhang noted.

According to the top legislator, after many decades of experiment and practice, the Chinese people have fostered a development path and system that suit China's national conditions, and reflect distinctive Chinese feature.

"China's national systems and institutions make it possible for people to enjoy more extensive rights and freedoms, be masters of their own lives and take a full part in the governance of the country and society," he said.

These systems and institutions, Zhang noted, can effectively regulate political relations, provide a strong foundation for upholding national independence, sovereignty, security and development interests and safeguarding the well-being of the Chinese people and nation.

"The Chinese people know full well how difficult it has been to find the right path. We will firmly follow the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and create a brighter future of our nation," he added.

Zhang is here to attend the conference at the invitation of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Saber Chowdhury and IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong.

Speakers of Parliament from nearly 140 countries have gathered at the UN headquarters from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. to explore how to effectively tackle global challenges to peace and democracy.

The conference will place particular emphasis on achieving 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) due to be adopted at a UN Summit in late September.