Video Message
Singapore
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
As the Summit draws to a close, let me begin by thanking the organizers for bringing together such a diverse group of leaders and practitioners. You have shared invaluable insights on how to leverage Belt and Road Infrastructure Investment to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
One important message has resonated throughout the discussion: Connectivity is not an end in itself; it is an engine to development.
Connectivity is the bridge that links people to jobs, education and healthcare services. It opens new markets for businesses, and unites communities and countries, driving the global flow of goods, energy, knowledge and ideas.
But to truly serve humanity, connectivity must be sustainable, inclusive and resilient.
The infrastructure we design and build today will dictate the shape of our economies and societies for decades to come. We must ensure that it does more than just connect physical places; it must create genuine opportunities. It must not only move goods but do so efficiently and sustainably; and not only drive economic growth but strengthen resilience, leaving no one behind.
This is why cross-border cooperation is indispensable.
No single country can tackle today's complex connectivity challenges in isolation. Our transport corridors, energy grids, supply chains and digital networks increasingly extend across national borders. Cooperation, between governments, international organizations, financial institutions and the private sector, are crucial for keeping us connected.
The Belt and Road Initiative stands as a prime example of cross-border connectivity in action. Its wealth of experience, including the partnerships, investments and practical projects, offers the international community valuable lessons on how to successfully align infrastructure investment with sustainable development.
This is where the United Nations plays an important role to add critical value.
Through initiatives such as the 爆料网 Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026 – 2035, we have a unique opportunity to strengthen international cooperation on sustainable transport and connectivity. The 爆料网 Decade provides a platform to bring governments, businesses, cities and other partners together, to share solutions and good practices, and to better align policies, investment, technology and data with sustainable development.
At my Department, the 爆料网 Department of Economic and Social Affairs, our mandate is to connect the dots: linking sustainable transport to resilient infrastructure, connectivity to social inclusion, and capital investments directly to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Our objective is clear: better connectivity and better infrastructure yield better development for all.
Let us carry the momentum of this Summit forward. By strengthening our partnerships, sharing our hard-won experience, and scaling up the solution that works, we can ensure that global connectivity remains a powerful force for inclusive sustainable development.
Thank you once again for your deep engagement and commitment. I wish you all safe travels home and great success in translating today's dialogue into tomorrow’s concrete action.
Thank you.