Beijing, December 9, 2024 – The Fifth Forum on China and International Development, themed “Deepening Reform and Expanding Cooperation: China’s International Development Cooperation in a Changing Landscape”, successfully commenced yesterday in Beijing.

Co-hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in China and the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce of China (CAITEC/MOFCOM), the Forum convened a diverse array of stakeholders from the government, diplomatic community, international and social organizations, as well as research institutes and the private sector. Participants engaged in discussions on reforms and collaborative opportunities in international development cooperation, aimed at addressing global challenges and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Launched by CAITEC in 2020, the China and International Development Forum has evolved into an annual platform for dialogue on China’s International Development Cooperation (IDC), marking its fifth iteration this year.

As the world faces complex challenges including slow economic recovery, the escalating climate crisis, geopolitical tensions, and regional conflicts, progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been significantly hindered. Following the adoption of the Pact for the Future, member states reaffirmed commitment to accelerate sustainable development and called for reforms to shape a more just and inclusive multilateral system.

In this context, the Forum aimed to facilitate two-way dialogues and exchanges to inform China’s IDC reform measures and foster collaborations that explore innovative approaches to accelerate progress on the SDGs through international development cooperation.

“Strengthened partnerships to create and share innovative development solutions, facilitated by multilateral platforms, are essential to building a sustainable and inclusive future”, said Beate Trankmann, Resident Representative of UNDP in China, during her welcome remarks. “By engaging in two-way exchanges and demand-based cooperation that draws on international best practices, China can play a pivotal role in helping to advance sustainable development around the world, building on its strengths and experience.”

“We hope the Forum can serve as a platform to promote knowledge exchange between domestic and international stakeholders. Through broad engagements and diverse dialogues, participants can thoroughly discuss understanding and best practices of development cooperation and jointly explore development solutions”, said Qu Weixi, Vice President of CAITEC.

During the guest remarks session, UN Assistant Secretary-General Mr. Navid Hanif, Director of the OECD Development Co-operation Directorate for Economic Development Ms. María del Pilar Garrido Gonzalo, Former Vice Minister of Commerce of China Mr. Chen Jian, and Ambassador of Senegal to China H.E. Ibrahima Sory Sylla, delivered speeches. They provided valuable insights from various perspectives on enhancing partnerships and expanding collaborations to advance the SDGs, as well as opportunities for deepening China’s IDC reforms.

In the thematic speech session and the following panel discussion, speakers provided an in-depth analysis of the evolution of China’s international development cooperation. The discussions emphasized reform and innovation, identifying key areas for enhancing cooperation between China and partner countries to achieve greater SDG outcomes on a global scale.

In collaboration with various partners, CAITEC is also organizing a youth-focused side event, and ten thematic sub-fora taking place from December 9 to 13. These sessions serve as a platform to further promote comprehensive dialogues and collaborations on a broad range of topics related to international development cooperation, including development finance, debt-for-development swaps, climate change and impact on children, humanitarian assistance, gender equality, agriculture, and health.

The insights shared during the Forum will be consolidated by CAITEC to inform future reform measures, policy development, and implementation strategies for China’s IDC stakeholders.