Member States Discuss UN in China’s 2025 Priorities

The biannual briefing was organised in keeping with the commitment of the UN Resident Coordinator in China to regularly update Member States on the implementation of the Cooperation Framework. Agreed upon between the Government of China and the UN in China, the Cooperation Framework represents the strategic and programmatic plan in support of the host country’s national development priorities, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As the current Cooperation Framework enters its final year, the briefing highlighted the development outcomes in its three priority areas: People and Prosperity, Planet, and Partnerships. Member States were also updated on ongoing collaborations with the Government of China and the upcoming initiatives of the UN in China for 2025, including efforts to localize the recently adopted Pact for the Future.

During his remarks, Siddharth Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator in China, said, “In China, we have forged numerous partnerships with Member States to discuss crucial issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals as well as to keep you informed on the UN’s work in China. We know that there is always room for improvement in these efforts. And therefore, we convene this biannual gathering to also seek your feedback. We want to know how the UN Country Team, and I, as the Resident Coordinator, can better serve the Member States.”

The briefing provided the opportunity for Member States to offer their guidance, including through views from Representatives of countries that have worked closely with the UN in China, namely Lebanon, Kenya, and Belgium.

During her remarks, Her Excellency Ms. Milia Jabbour, Ambassador of Lebanon, said, “By collaborating with the Chinese government and local partners, the UN has been able to introduce innovative ideas and best practices in areas like poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and social inclusion. These joint efforts not only benefit the people of China, but also set the example for other countries around the world.”

During his remarks, His Excellency Mr. Willy Bett, Ambassador of Kenya, said, “The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework offers a powerful tool for transforming global forces into concrete actions. The framework has played a critical role in enhancing the UN’s position as a trusted, reliable partner for governments and other actors.”

During his remarks, His Excellency Mr. Bruno Angelet, Ambassador of Belgium, said, "The key pillars of the United Nations, embedded in the United Nations Charter, are essential for all of the contributors on which the UN is founded: peace and security, development, and human rights. These pillars require a comprehensive, integrated, and calibrated approach."

During the presentation of accomplishments and plans for 2025 and beyond, Dr. Zhao Bing, WFP Representative, and Ms. Nadia Rasheed, UNFPA Representative, highlighted how the outcomes of the work from the UN in China remained strongly underpinned by the principles of gender equality, disability inclusion, youth engagement, and the central promise of the 2030 Agenda, to Leave No One Behind.

In the subsequent Q&A session, Representatives from Senegal, Namibia, and the United Kingdom offered suggestions for the UN’s work in China and its implementation of the Cooperation Framework. They urged continued commitment in pursuing the 2030 Agenda and delivering the SDGs.