The United Nations (UN) System in China in partnership with the Government of China today launched the new United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for the People’s Republic of China 2016-2020.

Co-organized by the UN System in China and the Ministry of Commerce, on behalf of the Government of China, the official launch of new UNDAF marks a renewed commitment for a strong partnership between the UN and China over the coming five years. The five year period it covers is aligned with China’s 13th Five-Year Plan and the first years of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by world leaders at the 70th General Assembly in September 2015.

The UNDAF provides a clear strategic direction for the UN system in China to support China over the next five years in three priority areas:

1) Poverty Reduction and Equitable Development – The aim is to help more people, particularly the vulnerable and disadvantaged, to enjoy improved living conditions and increased opportunities for economic, social and cultural development.

2) Improved and Sustainable Environment – The aim is for more people to enjoy a cleaner, healthier and safer environment as a result of improved environmental protec-tion and sustainable green growth.

3) Enhanced Global Engagement – The aim is to contribute to the effectiveness of Chi-na’s engagement in international cooperation for the mutual benefit of China and the world.

In his statement, the UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Alain Noudehou said that the UNDAF “represents a renewed commitment to continue the strong partnership between China and the UN System”. He further indicated that the UNDAF “provides a strategic direction that will guide the UNCT’s contributions towards China’s development priorities and the 13th Five-Year Plan - in the overall context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. He hig-hlighted that “in each of the three priority areas, particular focus will be placed on key underly-ing challenges posed by inequality, rapid urbanization and demographic changes, and environ-mental degradation”.

Representing the Government of China, Vice-Minister of MOFCOM Mr. Wang Shouwen commended the fruitful cooperation between China and the United Nations over the past dec-ades. He said that “the Chinese people are striving to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects and realizing the Chinese Dream for a great rejuvenation of the nation.” Moving forward, he stressed that “the Government of China will take the UNDAF as a new starting point, make the implementation of the 2030 Agenda our own duty, and strengthen cooperation with the UN in all aspects so as to make our due contribution to global development.”

The official launch of the UNDAF was followed by a dialogue on how the UNDAF can contri-bute to China’s 13th Five-Year Plan and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustaina-ble Development for the benefit of the people of China. The 2030 agenda, outlined through the 17 SDGs, seeks to end poverty, achieve shared prosperity and peace, protect the planet and leave no one behind. China is expected to play a leading role in its implementation worldwide.

Representatives of UN organizations, various Government bodies, embassies, and national and international non-governmental organizations attended the ceremony.

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