German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivered a speech at Tsinghua University on July 8 highlighting the virtues of sustainable development.

Chen Jining, president of Tsinghua University, presided over the speech. He noted that Tsinghua University has maintained fruitful, long-term relationships with German universities and enterprises.

Chen also pledged the university was willing to further strengthen its presence in German social circles to contribute to the Sino-German strategic relationship, as well as global peace, prosperity and sustainable development.

In her speech, Merkel emphasized that sustainable development presents an opportunity to find solutions to lifestyle problems through better use of resources.

It is necessary to realize sustainable development in order to ensure future generations enjoy fresh air and clean water, Merkel said. She indicated that sustainable development requires protecting the environment and shouldering related social responsibilities while growing the economy.

“Realizing sustainable development does not mean abandoning economic development,” she said. “In Germany, sustainable development has turned into a leading concept forming relations between people and people and between people and nature.”

Merkel noted an increasing number of Germans attach importance to how goods are produced, rather than just prices and brands. Currently, a quarter of electricity in Germany is generated using renewable energy. Berlin aims to push this figure up to 50 percent in future.

Noting China’s status as the second-largest economy in the world, Merkel said Beijing is playing an increasingly significant role in international affairs.

“Problems facing China during the process of urbanization development should be addressed through sustainable ways. Germany and China can conduct cooperation on developing energy-saving traffic, construction and wastewater treatment. Sustainable development is a positive idea, but is yet to be implemented everywhere.

Under the framework of the Sino-German strategic relationship, Germany and China can deepen their cooperation on sustainable development,” she said.

Translated by Chen Meina
Revised by Tom Fearon