China and other emerging economies deserve a bigger say in the decision-making process if global decision-making bodies are to remain relevant, a UN official said.

Action is needed to reform bodies to adapt to the new role of developing countries and emerging powers or they will risk losing relevance, said Rebeca Grynspan, undersecretary-general of the UN and associate administrator of the UN Development Program.

"We need to avoid countries increasingly pursuing avenues that undermine the effectiveness of existing governance systems. We need to pursue complementarities in our efforts and reinforce existing institutions," she said in an interview on Friday. Grynspan is on an eight-day visit to China that ends on Monday.

The IMF adopted a package of measures in 2011, including quota increases for 54 countries. This resulted in China, Brazil, Russia and India being among the top 10 shareholders.

"The time has come to define a new role for developing countries as actors in a more fair, open, accountable and effective global system ," she said.

As the largest developing country and second-largest economy in the world, "China can use its increased influence to demand a greater say for developing countries in the international arena", Grynspan said.

Grynspan will attend the Global Governance Forum, jointly held by the UNDP and the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, in Beijing on Monday. The forum will focus on how China and other emerging economies can contribute to global governance.

"China has a role to play in the global arena, but at the same time it has its own challenges in development," Grynspan said.

China's new leadership has shown greater emphasis on social and environmental development, moving away from GDP-centered growth that partially creates inequality and environmental degradation, she said.

"During my interaction with leaders in China, I have noticed that the government has given priority to innovation in social management and environmental protection after the 18th Party congress," she said.

Last month, Vice-Premier Li Keqiang said the government will simplify the registration process and pledged more funding for non-government organizations dedicated to tackling HIV/AIDS.

Grynspan cited Li's words and said this has sent out a positive signal that the new leadership will better engage civil societies to deliver better services.

The UNDP and authorities in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, signed a framework agreement on Friday to boost sustainable development.

One project will involve the setting up of agricultural cooperatives in rural areas to support production and living standards in selected towns.

Ningbo Yinzhou Bank Welfare Foundation has agreed to provide $2 million to fund the project.

The UNDP also plans to work with the Ningbo civil affairs bureau to run pilot projects to empower community-based organizations and encourage public-private partnership in social services.

Liu Qi, mayor of Ningbo, said the city has encountered pressing issues, including imbalances between rural and urban areas, but cooperation, such as these initiatives, is the way forward.

Thanks to rapid economic growth, China has reduced poverty and has greatly improved living standards, Grynspan said.

However, "growth will be halted if environmental degradation continues", she said.

Grynspan praised projects to boost the low-carbon economy.

"We have witnessed China's incredible investment in renewable energy, as it has become the second-largest producer of wind power in the world and the biggest exporter of photovoltaic solar panels," she said.

Contact the writer at hedan@chinadaily.com.cn