Member States briefed on recent developments of UN System in China

The agenda at the briefing covered the recent visit of the UN Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, to Beijing on the occasion of the XXIV Olympic Winter Games, the FOCAC follow-up symposium held as a joint event with the African Ambassadors Group in China on 18 January, and an update on recent discussions with the Host Country on the governance and monitoring of the Cooperation Framework implementation. 

“In line with the UN Secretary-General’s reforms of the UN’s development system, the UN in China is working hard towards fulfilling its responsibility to be ‘fit for purpose’ to support China in its development aspirations and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI), we see enormous opportunities to leverage its resources, expertise, knowledge and experiences beyond its national borders. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the development gains the world has made, and I feel the GDI has great potential to accelerate the SDGs in the developing world.” said Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator in China.

During his visit, the UN Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, and expressed the wish for enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and the People’s Republic of China in all the pillars of the Organization’s work – peace and security, sustainable development, including climate change and biodiversity, and human rights.

H.E. Mr. Abdallah Abdillahi Miguil, Ambassador of Djibouti to China and Dean a.i. of the African Ambassadors Group in China, was invited by the Resident Coordinator to preside over the briefing on the FOCAC follow-up symposium, with Results Group Chairs from the UN Country Team also in attendance.

For users in mainland China, please click this link to watch the "Towards a greener, more prosperous, and healthier future together" symposium - video summary.

“Our ambition is to amplify this initiative, better deepen, reflect on how to cooperate, and benefit from the assistance, technical support, and expertise of the UN in China in terms of capacity building of African States and achievement of the SDGs.” said H.E. Mr. Abdallah Abdillahi Miguil, Ambassador of Djibouti to China.

"I would like to commend the UN Resident Coordinator for the comprehensive briefing on the UN's activities in China. As the Ambassador of a fellow developing country committed to South-South Cooperation, I am particularly excited at the facilitative role that the UN is playing connecting China more closely with Africa. Africa is well on the road to development in all aspects, and the experiences of China are very useful and relevant. This is a demonstration of how the UN is making itself relevant to today's situation, particularly for the developing world." said H.E. Mr. Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin, Ambassador of Malaysia to China.

A key partner to the UN in China, the Rockefeller Foundation joined the meeting online. Ms. Deepali Khanna, the Managing Director, Asia Regional Office, The Rockefeller Foundation said that “By lifting nearly 800 million people out of abject poverty, China has important lessons to share with the world. Especially now, as all efforts move towards and must move towards a just and green economic recovery. We value our partnership with the UN Resident Coordinator’s office in China to advance the SDGs. We recognize the UN’s important role as a convener, connector, and catalyzer for sustainable development for all."

Following the briefing, the Resident Coordinator opened the floor for questions from the audience before inviting attendees to a reception in acknowledgement of the start of the Year of the Tiger.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Louise Xi LI, Head of Communications, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in China

Tel: +8610-85320725, Email: xi.li@un.org