Beijing, 13 November — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in China hosted a high-level reception today to commemorate UNDP’s 60th anniversary and 46 years of partnership in China. The event brought together long-standing partners from government institutions, academia, the private sector, UN agencies, the diplomatic community, and the media to celebrate key milestones and shared achievements, while reaffirming a commitment to continued cooperation.

The reception aligned with the official visit to China by Haoliang Xu, UN Under Secretary-General and UNDP Acting Administrator, who has been engaging with diverse stakeholders to further strengthen the strategic partnership between UNDP and China and accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 
“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, highlighting the importance of solidarity and renewed ambition to address global development challenges.
 
Li Chenggang, China International Trade Representative and Vice Minister of Commerce, commended the long-standing cooperation between China and UNDP, emphasizing joint contributions to sustainable development.
 
He recalled that since China and UNDP signed the Standard Basic Assistance Agreement in 1979, the two sides have implemented nine Country Programmes and carried out over 1,000 cooperation projects spanning poverty reduction, agriculture, environmental protection, and digital transformation—making tangible contributions to China’s development and the well-being of its people.

“MOFCOM has long been the focal point for the UNDP’s cooperation with China and the two sides have maintained a good partnership,” said Minister Li.  “Going forward, MOFCOM, along with relevant Chinese departments, stands ready to work with the UNDP to deepen practical cooperation across various sectors and make new contribution to global prosperity and development.”
 
Beate Trankmann, UNDP Resident Representative in China, reiterated the importance of collaboration for the SDGs, as the UN marks its 80th anniversary and UNDP its 60th, alongside the approval of the new Country Programme Document (CPD).
 
“The new CPD continues our longstanding cooperation with China taking the partnership to a new level and quality that can help advance the speed and scale of the transformations needed in the final mile towards the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 – in China and beyond," she said.
 
The event also featured a video with testimonials from partners, reflecting on decades of shared progress and UNDP’s role in advancing innovation-driven, inclusive, and sustainable development in China.
 
In addition, cultural performances were showcased during the reception, highlighting creativity, inclusivity, and youth empowerment, values at the heart of the SDGs.
 
Looking ahead, UNDP remains committed to working closely with China and all partners to build a more resilient and sustainable future for all. Guided by the UN Pact for the Future and UNDP’s new global Strategic Plan 2026–2029, UNDP will continue to serve as a connecting platform to advance multilateral development cooperation that leaves no one behind.