Dennis Pamlin, founder of Sweden-based the 21st Century Frontiers. [File photo]

Dennis Pamlin, founder of Sweden-based the 21st Century Frontiers

China still wants to continue being the economic engine of the world. What is important is to ensure is that this growth is not linked to increased environmental destruction such as increased carbon emissions and increased inequity. Hopefully Xi can clarify this. His current trends are unsustainable. Dramatic global reductions are needed. For example, for this to happen there must be an increase on trade in low-carbon is needed. For this to happen, the US and the EU must reduce the protectionism to allow Chinese solutions better access. At the same time, China's domestic market needs reform to accelerate more than incremental improvement.

China's openness to reform is positive. What is needed is discussion on what reforms are most important. Human rights and human needs are important to use as a benchmark for progress. New tools are needed to track progress in a way that allows broad participation and supports transparency in governments and business.