Remarks by Ms Beate Trankmann at the Signing Ceremony of the UNICEF – UNDP – UNFPA Joint Project “Building Child-Friendly, Climate-Resilient, and Prosperous Rural Community in The Western Region of China”

September 29, 2025

UNDP Resident Representative in China, Beate Trankmann, delivered a speech at the signing ceremony of the UNICEF - UNDP - UNFPA joint project in Hainian TAP, Qinghai Province, China.

UNICEF China

尊敬的尕玛朋措州长 (Mr. Gama Pengcuo, Governor of Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture)

尊敬的李国雄副州长 ( Li Guoxiong, Vice Governor of Hainan TAP)

Colleagues from UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Resident Coordinator’s Office,

各位朋友、各位海南州的合作伙伴、Friends and partners from Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,

女士们、先生们、Ladies and gentlemen,

我很高兴代表联合国开发计划署参加今天这一重要项目的签字仪式 (On behalf of UNDP, I am delighted to join you today for the signing of this important joint project.)

This year marks UNDP’s 60th anniversary — six decades of working hand-in-hand with partners to advance human development around the world.

Here in China, we have strived for more than 45 years to support its national development priorities instilling sustainable development approaches. Since 2015, our efforts have been guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - our shared blueprint towards a brighter future for people and planet. Hainan TAP is an important part of these efforts as one of eleven national SDG demonstration zones designated by the State Council, and one of only two in Western China. Its rich ecological assets and ethnic diversity bring both opportunities and responsibilities — from balancing growth with ecological protection in the Yangtze headwaters to advancing inclusive rural development.

"By strengthening climate-smart services, green livelihoods, financing mechanisms, and capacity on the ground, this joint programme will not only improve lives in Hainan TAP today, but also shape a model of rural transformation that is resilient, inclusive, and rooted in the needs of local people."

This joint UN project represents a concrete step towards translating the global goals into local action. By strengthening climate-smart services, green livelihoods, financing mechanisms, and capacity on the ground, this joint programme will not only improve lives in Hainan TAP today, but also shape a model of rural transformation that is resilient, inclusive, and rooted in the needs of local people. Alongside our sister agencies, UNDP is pleased to contribute through three key areas:

first, supporting green skills and economic development;
second, providing technical assistance to strengthen local finance mechanisms;
and third, advancing Hainan TAP’s role as a national SDG demonstration zone through knowledge sharing and technical advisory, helping to consolidate lessons that can inspire sustainable development beyond the region.

As the Chinese saying goes: “前人栽树，后人乘凉” — one generation plants the trees, so the next may enjoy their shade. In the same spirit, by planting the seeds of knowledge, skills, and sustainable development, we are creating the conditions for children and families in Hainan to thrive for generations.

最后，我想感谢海南州政府的大力领导与支持，Let me close by thanking the Government of Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture for your leadership, and thank UNICEF and UNFPA for your partnership.

Today’s signing marks the beginning of a new chapter in our collective efforts to build child-friendly, climate-conscious, and thriving rural communities - ensuring no one is left behind.

Thank you.