Launch Ceremony of the First China Tour of the Youth Leaders Community for Global Development

Excellencies,

Distinguished representatives and guests, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon.

I thank the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) for the invitation to join their Advisory Council for the Youth Leaders’ Community for Global Development (YLGD) and speak at today’s ceremony. 

Meaningful, inclusive and effective youth engagement and empowerment are important priorities of the United Nations. 

On last year’s International Youth Day, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Humanity depends on the boundless energy, ideas and contribution of youth everywhere.”

At the country level, the UN in China seeks to prioritize the youth portfolio via our Thematic Group on Youth, co-chaired by UNFPA and UNICEF, to engage with a broad range of development partners to bring about the most benefit for young people, especially for those in vulnerable groups, in China and around the world. 

In the six months since the YLGD was launched in November 2023, I have witnessed the establishment of broad partnerships with national and sub-national authorities in China and abroad, as well as with international organizations, academic institutions, foundations, and the private sector. 

I thank Ms. Tang Ying and her team at CIDCA’s Global Development Promotion Center (GDPC) for their dedication and innovative thinking. I also congratulate the young professionals present today for their commitment and enthusiasm. 

Today, we gather to witness the Launch Ceremony of the First China Tour of the YLGD, where participants will visit different projects in Xiamen and Ningxia, two regions that symbolize different aspects of China’s development. 

Xiamen, along the coast, has long been at the forefront of China’s reform and opening-up. Meanwhile, Ningxia, located in the country’s inland, has its own unique development approach, seen in its heightened collaboration with Arab states. 

I hope this study tour offers participants the chance to gather first-hand insights and enhance understanding, particularly through engagement with people and communities. 

The UN in China stands ready to provide its networks and expertise, while enhancing our partnership with stakeholders such as the GDPC and YLGD, to deliver on global priorities like the Youth 2030 strategy and the Generation Unlimited partnership. 

Thank you.