United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Acting Administrator Haoliang Xu made an official visit to China from 13 to 17 November 2025, reaffirming UNDP’s longstanding partnership with China and deepening cooperation to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global climate agendas.

The visit took place as the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary, and UNDP marks its 60th year and prepares for the start of its next country programme (2026-2030).

In Beijing, Xu met with Li Chenggang, the Vice Minister of Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), Chen Xiaodong, the Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), Chen Huaiyu, the Chairman of Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM), and Wang Weidong, the Vice President of China Development Bank (CDB). These meetings reaffirmed UNDP and China’s strong institutional partnership and explored new opportunities to scale up cooperation under the new country programme on green transition, innovation, digital transformation, and SDG financing. Discussions also focused on advancing South-South Cooperation, including through blended finance instruments and innovative partnerships to strengthen SDG impact in partner countries.

While in Beijing, Xu also engaged with leading think tanks and universities to exchange views on emerging areas of research and innovation that can inform future SDG progress. In addition, he joined a high-level reception celebrating UNDP’s 60th anniversary globally, as well as 46 years of partnership in China, and reaffirming shared commitment to advancing sustainable development both in China and beyond.

“As we look ahead, the next chapter of development must be written together. Governments, businesses, and communities acting as one must come together to advance the SDGs, forging bold new coalitions for change. Together, we can make multilateralism more efficient, effective, and better financed,” said Xu in his remarks, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and collectively raising the level of ambition to address global development challenges.

Concluding his visit in Shanghai, Xu met with Gong Zheng, the Mayor of Shanghai to advance preparations for the Shanghai Global Center for Sustainable Development – a joint initiative designed to help developing countries accelerate green, digital, and sustainable transitions.

He also held meetings with leading academic and research institutions and the private sector to explore areas for collaboration in policy innovation, sustainable finance, and technology for sustainable development.