UNIDO ITPO Heads Meeting Thematic Seminar

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon.

I am honoured to speak at this event hosted by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization's Beijing Investment and Technology Promotion Office (UNIDO ITPO).

I have had the opportunity to interact with the leaders of UNIDO-ITPO and they are all consummate professionals.

Today, we gather to review the results of collaboration between the United Nations and the People's Republic of China, efforts that demonstrate a shared commitment to global development, cooperation, and advancement.

I would also like to thank UNIDO and all UN entities, for their outstanding successes in forging robust partnerships with governments all over the world, particularly in developing and least developed countries. Collaboration has yielded results in terms of sustainable development, technical innovation, and socioeconomic growth. From poverty alleviation projects to industrialization initiatives, our collaborative efforts have changed the lives of millions of people.

China faces unique problems and responsibilities as the world's largest developing economy. China's road to sustainable development is inextricably tied to its commitments and activities to combat poverty, inequity, and environmental degradation while encouraging innovation.

As a result, it is encouraging to see China's efforts to promote equitable growth, as well as its active participation in international forums to share experiences and draw lessons, underscoring China's vital role in the global sustainable development agenda.

China declared achievement in its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty in rural areas countrywide in February 2021. At the time, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres noted that this remarkable achievement was "a significant contribution to realizing a better and more prosperous world, as envisioned by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development." However, global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has stalled, and the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crisis, violence, and rising inequalities have actually reversed our gains in many sectors.

While obstacles remain in China, China's development experiences, notably in areas such as poverty reduction, offer potentially helpful lessons that can be shared with other developing nations through South-South cooperation.

UNIDO, particularly its presence in China, has been critical in fostering industrialization and lobbying for more environmentally friendly practices. The UNIDO Global Call, a flagship program aimed at mitigating the negative consequences of global climate change and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development, is headed this year by UNIDO ITPO Beijing, in collaboration with the entire UNIDO ITP network and other UN system institutions.

Gerd Müller, Director General of UNIDO said, "Such a global energy transition is a great opportunity for us all,". UNIDO ITPO Beijing collaborates with innovators and partners from around the world to develop creative solutions for a sustainable future. Simultaneously, initiatives like the building of ITPO Beijing Regional Coordination Centers in Jinan, Xiamen, Chengdu, and Zhengzhou highlight an integrated approach to regional development that maximizes the benefits of industrialization.

Moreover, UNIDO is dedicated to information sharing and capacity building. ITPO Beijing, in collaboration with my office and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in China, launched a UN-China-South Asia-Southeast Asia Triangular Cooperation on Trade and Investment Facilitation Empowerment training in June of this year, focusing on agricultural and aquatic product trade facilitation. This training not only assist additional South and Southeast Asian countries in entering the Chinese market and expanding globally, but it also contributes to a more competitive local market, higher international standards, and a more sustainable consumer environment in China.                              

Other UN entities, in addition to UNIDO, have considerable interactions with China. The Food and Agriculture Organization works with China to develop sustainable farming methods and improve rural communities' quality of life. The United Nations Children's Fund works in China to assist children's education, healthcare, and rights, creating a firm basis for the next generation's growth. Such instances only serve to highlight the importance of a wide range of collaboration actions between UN agencies and China in order to achieve the SDGs.

Looking ahead, it is critical to understand the enormous potential that UNIDO and other UN agencies have. To create positive change internationally, a deliberate effort to boost investment and collaboration is required. In this regard, I reiterate UNIDO ITPO's essential role in promoting greater integrated investment and technical breakthroughs. ITPO may serve as a catalyst for cross-sectoral cooperation by remaining aligned with other UN bodies and conducting innovative projects to address important global concerns ranging from sustainable industrialization to climate change mitigation.

The UNIDO ITP Network has the capacity to impact development's destiny. We can create a platform that connects economies, industries, and innovation by using the aggregate strengths of UN institutions and encouraging cross-sectoral cooperation.

This network has the potential to act as a global hub for information exchange, investment promotion, and technology transfer, ultimately supporting equitable growth and sustainable development. To overcome difficult challenges in today's interconnected world, teamwork and collaboration are required. China's major global role, combined with its economy, innovative capacity, and broad international alliances, needs a greater interaction between UN organizations and China. This collaboration is crucial not only for China's continued success, but also for achieving the SDGs. As we move forward, I am certain that the UN-China cooperation will grow, paving the path for a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable world. Such a collaboration can also serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of collaboration in overcoming global challenges and attaining common goals.

I am certain that by working together, we can all contribute to constructing a better future where no one is left behind.

Thank you very much.