UNITED NATIONS - A Chinese expert said at the United Nations headquarters Tuesday that China needs to transform its development model in the context of the global recession following the financial crisis.

The statement came as Cheng Siwei, a renowned scholar in economic, financial and managerial fields, addressed a forum titled "A China Story", where a group of Chinese specialists were invited to give their interpretations of China's overall planning approach and shared the country's experience of pursuing sustainable development.

After reviewing the rapid economic growth and development path of China since the reforms and opening-up in 1978-80, Cheng said "We should pursue development in a scientific way ... which puts people first and is comprehensive, balanced and sustainable."

Qu Xing, president of China Institute of International Studies and Yao Zhizhong, assistant director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics, also shared their views about sustainable development with audience formed of various national delegates to the world body.

Other key attendees to the forum included Vuk Jeremic, president of the 67th Session of the UN general assembly, and UN Assistant Secretary General Thomas Stelzer.

The forum, featuring a theme of Sustainable Development and Governance, was organized by China Energy Fund Committee, a nonprofit, non-governmental think tank devoted to public diplomacy and research on strategic issues with emphasis on energy and culture.