Deputy Secretary-General Applauds ‘Remarkable Achievements’, in Message to ‘China and UN: Building Peace through Development’ Event
Following is the text of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s video message to the “China and UN: Building Peace through Development” virtual event in Beijing today:
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
This month marks the fiftieth anniversary of the restoration of China’s lawful rights in the United Nations. I would like to take this opportunity to commend China for its support to the United Nations throughout the past five decades.
We appreciate not only China’s steadfast financial support over the decades, which enables the entire UN system to support peace and development around the world — but its support of the landmark reforms we are undertaking to strengthen the UN development system for the future.
The last 50 years have seen China reach a number of remarkable milestones. From lifting over 750 million people out of poverty to declaring the ambitious goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2060. And we need China’s continued support as the world faces tremendous challenges.
The COVID-19 pandemic is still ravaging the planet. Time is running out in our fight against climate change. And we are off track in our collective efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. We count on China to stand behind our work to promote climate action, defend global peace and help us fully deliver on the promise of the 2030 Agenda. And we urge China to continue playing a pivotal role to reassert the value of multilateral collaboration, so the United Nations is adequately equipped and ready to deliver on its mandates.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Fifty years of cooperation between China and the UN have brought remarkable achievements. We must build on the progress made and continue to work together to ensure a better and more prosperous future for people and our planet. The 2030 Agenda is our blueprint in this endeavour, and we count on China’s continued support as we translate this ambitious vision into reality, in every country.
As you prepare for today’s deliberations, I encourage you to remember the Secretary-General’s recent call: “The pandemic has underscored the need for a strengthened and renewed multilateralism. We must re-imagine the way nations cooperate.” The United Nations looks forward to working closely with China to make this happen.
I wish you a successful event