On May 23, 2022, the Ministry of Commerce and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in China convened the inaugural meeting of the Joint Steering Committee of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for China (2021-2025) (“UNSDCF”). Vice Minister and Deputy China International Trade Representative Wang Shouwen and UN Resident Coordinator Siddharth Chatterjee co-chaired and addressed the meeting.

Vice Minister Wang said that under the guidance of the UNSDCF, China and UN development agencies in China have implemented a batch of representative projects, which have introduced advanced ideas and technologies to China to facilitate local development and delivered economic, social and environmental benefits. It’s hoped that the two sides can further step up practical cooperation in such areas as rural revitalization, digital economy, climate change, public health and environmental protection, and put the UNSDCF into implementation effectively, thus promoting the Global Development Initiative and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

UN Resident Coordinator Siddharth Chatterjee spoke highly of China’s efforts in implementing the UNSDCF, adding that the UN development agencies in China stand ready to support the implementation of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, and is willing to cooperate with China practically in relevant areas, take an active part in the Global Development Initiative and support the pursuit of the SDGs, so as to work together for the cause of human progress.

More than 40 representatives from UN development agencies and relevant Chinese departments attended the meeting.

Before the meeting, Vice Minister Wang and Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee exchanged views on deepening cooperation between China and UN development agencies.