UN China Procurement Seminar Explores New Frontiers in Global Sustainable Procurement

The seminar commenced with opening remarks from representatives of the co-hosting organizations and the Chinese government. Among the speakers were Mr. Zhang Yi, Deputy Director of the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE) of China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), Mr. Shen Weihua, Deputy Director of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, Mr. Zhang Bin, Deputy Director of Shanghai Hongqiao International Central Business District Management Committee, and Mr. Jin Junfeng, Deputy District Mayor of Shanghai Qingpu District People’s Government.

Delivering his address online, Mr. James George, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP China, stated that the procurement function can be “a key enabler in realizing inclusive structural transformation and building resilience through leveraging innovation and digitalization for optimized sustainable procurement processes”. He emphasized the importance of sustainable procurement in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and highlighted the critical role of Chinese enterprises in this process.

Ms. Maria Cristina Palamini, Head of Programme for UNOPS South East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), shared her insights and reiterated the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing procurement challenges. She said, “Sustainable procurement is a key priority for UNOPS and our procurement practices continue to highlight our commitment to supporting local economic growth, advancing equality, and accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals”.

Following the opening session, the seminar focused on expanding enterprise understanding of opportunities in international public procurement, facilitated knowledge sharing about market adaptability, explored key issues, and offered a platform for stakeholders to discover potential enterprises as well as their products.

The report Practicing Sustainable Procurement: Outcomes and Outlook of the Knowledge Sharing, Capacity Building, and Supporting Service Programme on Sustainable Procurement of UN/International Organizations was unveiled, highlighting the successes and lessons learned from the collaborative efforts of UN and international organizations in connecting Chinese enterprises with the global market.

To better support the growth of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), innovative enterprises, and Women-Owned Businesses (WOBs) in China, UNDP, UNOPS, CICETE, Shanghai Qingpu District People’s Government and Shanghai Glorious Investment Development Company have jointly launched a Knowledge Sharing, Capacity Building and Supporting Service Programme on Sustainable Procurement of UN/International Organizations (UNPICBP). The report highlighted UNPICBP’s contributions to global humanitarian and peace efforts through service facilitation and information sharing, ensuring rapid crisis response. The report also showcased UNPICBP’s achievements in environmental protection, social responsibility, and human rights advocacy, guiding enterprises toward sustainable development.

Ms. Ge Yunyan, Chief Technical Advisor for UNPICBP, and Ms. Jiang Xiuzhen, Vice President of Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, provided an overview of the Porgramme’s achievements. Their presentation highlighted the progress of Chinese enterprises in adopting sustainable practices, positioning the Programme as a leading example in driving sustainable development through responsible procurement.

Climate responsibility and innovation also took center stage during the discussion. UNOPS China, on behalf of the project stakeholders, introduced a draft version of the Catalogue of Potential Suppliers with Green and Innovative Products for UN/International Organizations to gather public feedback. This catalogue is expected to provide a unique perspective for stakeholders in the international public procurement sector to stay updated on the development of the global green industry, including Chinese green sector. It will provide a wealth of environmentally friendly and innovative product options to support more sustainable procurement practices. This initiative also aims to support the growth of SMEs, innovative enterprises, and WOBs. 

In addition, a panel session moderated by Dr. Zhang Weidong, Assistant Representative of UNDP China, explored how green and innovative solutions reshape sustainable development practices. The discussion featured UN procurement officers, industry experts, and innovative entrepreneurs, highlighting the transformative impact of these approaches.

Mr. Chen Yu, Town Mayor of Xujing Township People’s Government and Director of the UNPICBP Project Management Office, delivered the closing remarks, reflecting on the seminar’s key achievements. 

About UNOPS

UNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more at www.unops.org and follow UNOPS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,LinkedIn, YouTube and WhatsApp.

About UNDP 

As the lead United Nations agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnerships and institutional capabilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is centred around six core development areas, known as our signature solutions: poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy and gender equality.

Official website: https://www.undp.org/

About CICETE

CICETE is a specialized project management agency for promoting multilateral and bilateral economic and technical exchanges and international development cooperation, improving self-development capacity of assisted countries and building a community of shared future for mankind, to support China’s economic and social development and the achievement of all-round Xiao Kang Society and UN Sustainable Development Goals. In the past 4 decades, CICETE has cooperated with UN agencies in implementing over 1000 cooperation programs/projects in the field of industry, education, health, poverty alleviation, environment protection, climate change etc.

Official website: http://www.cicete.org.cn/en/

About Shanghai Qingpu

Qingpu District is located in the southwest of Shanghai, the lower reaches of the Taihu Lake and the upper reaches of the Huangpu River, and is the center of Yangtze River Delta economic circle. It is the permanent site of China International Import Expo (CIIE), and also the carrier of national strategies such as the demonstration zone of Yangtze River Delta Integrated Development and Hongqiao International Open Hub.

Official website of People's Government of Qingpu District of Shanghai Municipality: https://www.shqp.gov.cn/english/