(File photo)

The UN will put forward its list of new global development priorities for the next 15 years at the Sustainable Development Summit, to convene in New York on September 25 to 27.

Member nations will adopt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a document of historical significance that lists 17 goals and 169 targets, Wu Hongbo, UN deputy secretary general for economic and social affairs, told People's Daily in an exclusive interview.

Wu said that despite of the different histories, cultures and ideology of each country, all humans have "a common appeal to protect the earth and promote sustainable development."

He noted that compared with previous Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the 2030 Agenda has certain unique characteristics. Firstly, the parties involved in the agenda have been expanded beyond just the 193 UN members to include people from all walks of life.

Secondly, development goals have increased. The 2030 Agenda includes 17 goals that address all UN member nations, replacing the eight MDGs of the 2015 agenda, which focused on eliminating poverty in poor or less developed countries.

Thirdly, the idea of development have been updated. After 15 years, the international community has reached a consensus on the issue of sustainable development that combines economic development, social progress and environmental improvement into one.

Lastly, the new agenda closes loopholes in MDGs. Improvements have been made in the drafting of the 2030 Agenda, which also includes supervision and concrete measures to raise funds.

As for implementing the new agenda, Wu pointed out that people need to practice sustainable development and transform unsustainable methods of consumption and production.

Government departments at all levels take a holistic view of development and increase coordination, he added. The sustainable development goals are impossible to achieve without a mechanism in place to track and check progress.