On October 16, 2002 (September 11, 2002 in the lunar calendar), the Second Global Environment Facility Member Assembly was held in Beijing. On October 16, 2002, China President Jiang Zemin attended the opening ceremony of the Second Member Conference of the Global Environment Facility and delivered an important speech. On October 16, 2002, the Second Assembly of Member States of the Global Environment Facility opened at the Beijing International Convention Center. China President Jiang Zemin attended the opening ceremony and delivered an important speech entitled "Taking Positive Actions to Create a Better Home Together." The opening ceremony was presided over by Xiang Huaicheng, Minister of Finance of China. More than 1300 people from government representatives from member states of the Global Environment Facility, major international environmental organizations and financial institutions, non-governmental organizations and people from all walks of life at home and abroad attended the opening ceremony. In his speech, Jiang Zemin expressed warm congratulations on the convening of the conference and sincere welcome to all guests. He said that protecting the global environment, achieving sustainable development, and creating a beautiful home are the common aspirations of people all over the world and are also urgent tasks facing all countries in the world. He said that promoting sustainable development requires us to strive to achieve the coordination of economic growth, environmental protection and overall social progress. He pointed out that developing the economy and eradicating poverty are the basic prerequisites for achieving sustainable development. Reasonable use of resources and protection of the environment are inevitable requirements for achieving sustainable development. Only by following the path of circular economy based on the most effective use of resources and protection of the environment can sustainable development be achieved. Achieving comprehensive social progress and improving people's living standards and quality are the ultimate goals of sustainable development. He pointed out that we should follow the trend of the times, create an international political and economic environment conducive to sustainable development, and promote the cause of sustainable development in the right direction in the world. He said that mankind shares the same earth and achieving sustainable development is the common responsibility of all countries in the world. We must insist that developed and developing countries shoulder common but differentiated responsibilities. Global actions for sustainable development should fully respect the sovereignty and development autonomy of all countries. Environmental issues are related to the common interests of mankind. The formulation of international environmental rules should be negotiated by all countries on an equal footing to reflect the wishes and interests of all countries. In particular, we must fully consider the difficulties of developing countries, respect the actual needs of developing countries, and establish a sincere cooperative partnership with developing countries. Developing countries face the dual task of eradicating poverty and protecting the environment. Without a good supportive international economic environment, it is difficult for them to promote sustainable development. It is necessary to reform the international financial, investment and trading systems, transfer capital and technology to developing countries, ensure that developing countries can obtain equal development rights under the conditions of economic globalization, and promote capacity building in developing countries. Jiang Zemin said that the China government attaches great importance to environmental protection and unswervingly implements the sustainable development strategy. China's successful practices in the field of environment and development have not only improved China's environmental quality, but also made important contributions to protecting the global environment and promoting sustainable development in the world. He said that over the years, the Global Environment Facility has made unremitting efforts and significant contributions to promoting the cause of world environmental protection. China attaches great importance to the positive role played by the Global Environment Facility in China's environmental protection and is willing to further deepen cooperation with the Global Environment Facility. He expressed his belief that as long as people of all countries work together, lasting peace, universal prosperity and sustainable development in the world will surely be achieved. Mohammed Ashri, Chairman and CEO of the Global Environment Facility, also spoke at the opening ceremony. He said that he expressed his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the China government and people for their warm reception, strong support and high attention to this conference. He said that the words and deeds of the China government have set a high standard for this conference and international cooperation thereafter. Therefore, this conference will serve as an example in the future. He said that mankind has now entered the most creative stage in history. The rapid development of technology and communications provides people with a rare opportunity to take responsible action. He called on leaders from all walks of life, including heads of state and leaders of social organizations, small and medium-sized enterprises, international organizations and large companies, to work together to achieve sustainable development. This is the first time that the Global Environment Facility has held a member conference in China. The three-day conference will comprehensively review the experiences and lessons learned since the establishment of the Global Environment Facility and the achievements of countries around the world in environment and development over the past 10 years, opening up a new path for the future work of the Global Environment Facility. During the conference, seminars on the themes of "Global Environment Facility and China's Environment","Global Environment and Sustainable Development", and "Science and Global Environment" will also be held.