Deputy Secretary-General, at Reception, Highlights China’s Sustained Growth, Targeted Policies as Lesson for Other Developing Countries to Curb Poverty

Following are UN Deputy Secretary‑General Amina Mohammed’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the reception for the “Better Life, Dream Come True” exhibition on China’s poverty alleviation efforts, in New York today:

I am pleased to join you for the “Better Life, Dream Come True” exhibition.

For more than three decades, China has achieved tremendous results in reducing poverty, lifting around 700 million people above the international poverty line.  This success in reaching the Millennium Development Goal target of reducing extreme poverty rates by half has contributed to poverty reduction globally, and has provided multiple lessons for other developing countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Two factors made a critical difference.  First, sustained economic growth.  Second, a targeted, systemic policy approach to poverty reduction.  Economic dynamism has increased income levels and generated employment opportunities.  The country’s transformation from an agrarian economy to an industrialized one has allowed its labour force to engage in higher‑productivity jobs and improve their living standards.  The subsequent transition to an economy led by both industrial and service sectors has ensured that such positive developments will continue.  As I witnessed during my recent trip to Qingdao, strong investment in infrastructure, education and social services has also been instrumental.

However, economic growth alone is not sufficient.  The second critical element is a whole‑of‑Government approach that emphasizes coordination among relevant Government agencies in order to address the many dimensions of poverty.  Indeed, in striving to leave no one behind, we must also shift pro‑poor policies from a narrow income poverty eradication lens towards multidimensional inequalities.  As emphasized by Sustainable Development Goal 10 on reducing inequalities, this is a key ingredient for building inclusive societies.  In this same spirit, much will also depend on reducing the global gender gap in social, economic and political realms.  There is also a pressing need for strengthened partnerships and solidarity with the private sector and civil society — firmly grounded in mutual respect and trust.

As a long-term partner of China in reducing poverty, the United Nations will continue to work with the Chinese Government towards further gains in this important area, and to strengthen its support to other countries through strategic South‑South cooperation initiatives.  The United Nations strongly welcomes the continuing sharing of lessons and best practices, as is being done through this exhibition, as a contribution to the global effort to eradicate poverty in all its forms, everywhere.

Thank you again to all who have made this exhibition possible.