The world is faced with potential global catastrophes and human beings need to adopt comprehensive measures to achieve the goal of sustainable development over the next 20 years, said Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, in Beijing on Wednesday.

Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, delivers a speech at a launch event for a short pro-bono film, "2032, Future We Want", which was released by the Modern Media Group and United Nations Development Program in Beijing on Wednesday afternoon. [Ning Bo/chinadaily.com.cn]

"Human beings have already overstepped the planet's boundaries – and not just in terms of carbon emissions," warned Ban, adding that the recipe for long term stability and well-being is "a course that truly balances economic growth, social development and environmental stewardship."

Ban made the statement at a launch event for a short pro-bono film, "2032, the Future We Want", which was released by the Modern Media Group and United Nations Development Program in Beijing on Wednesday afternoon. He is in the capital of China for an official visit from July 17 to 19.

He hailed the Rio+20 Conference, or the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development which took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 2012, as a success, and said much more is left to be accomplished before Rio+40. And it is an urgent call.

"With more than 100 Heads of State we renewed a high-level commitment to sustainable development...Beyond the official outcome document, Rio also generated hundreds of specific commitments."

"We can no longer defer the difficult decisions to future generations. We cannot afford to wait for Rio+40. Time is not on our side, and we must act before it is too late."

The UN and China have conducted a slew of cooperation projects that span the full spectrum of sustainable development, according to Ban.

"The United Nations is strongly committed to being China's partner on this path," said Ban. "From forest management to worker protection, from women's empowerment to disaster preparedness and the fight against HIV/AIDS, our Country Team continues to work hand in hand with their Chinese counterparts."

He also gave credit to China's reaction to the challenge both energetically and politically.

"It (China) is already a leader in wind power. It is the world's largest solar (pv) manufacturer. China is doing this through far-sighted use of incentives, subsidies, and regulations – through smart policy-making," he said.