There are six ‘Theme Groups’ in the United Nations in China which operate in support of China’s development. These are the inter-agency bodies which plan and oversee the UN’s joint work in specific policy areas. Each Theme Group works closely with Government and other counterparts to: formulate joint programs or other joint actions bringing together multiple UN Agencies and Government in response to China’s needs; undertake joint communications and advocacy work, including the publication of papers where appropriate; and to monitor and report on progress against relevant sections of the China UNDAF 2006-2010. In addition, Theme Groups are expected to hold regular ‘expanded’ meetings to facilitate information sharing among and between the UN, Government, the broader international community and other relevant stakeholders.
To contact any of the Theme Groups, please contact the relevant Secretariat.
Theme Group on Poverty and Inequality
The objectives of the Theme Group on Poverty and Inequality are to support results and achievements identified under Outcome 1 of the UNDAF (UNDAF Outcome 1: social and economic policies are developed and improved to be more scientifically-based and human-centered for sustainable and equitable growth). The Group is particularly focused on working with China to reduce inequalities in the country, and is specifically working on issues around ethnic minority culture and development and around migrant workers. From 2008, regular ‘expanded’ meetings will be held, bringing together relevant stakeholders in this area.
The group is chaired by Subinay Nandy (UNDP Country Director). The Vice Chair for the Culture Joint Programme is Abhimanyu Singh (UNESCO Director and Representative) and the Vice Chair for the Youth, Employment and Migration Joint Programme is Constance Thomas (ILO Director). Bill Bikales (UNDP) acts as Secretariat for the group. UNDP switchboard: +86 10 8532 0800
The objectives of the Theme Group on Health are to facilitate information sharing, promote understanding, and support planning and monitoring of individual as well as joint activities of health partner institutions with the objective of enhancing the effectiveness and impact of health partner institutions in China. It is responsible for health-related elements of UNDAF Outcome 2 (UNDAF Outcome 2: effective policy implementation is promoted through enhanced capacity and mechanisms for participation, co-ordination, monitoring and evaluation in the social sectors).
The group is chaired by Hans Troedsson, WHO Representative. Yin Yin Nwe (UNICEF Representative) and Bernard Coquelin (UNFPA Representative) serve as Vice Chairs. Sarah Barber(WHO) acts as Secretariat. WHO switchboard: +86 10 6532 7189/90/91/92
Theme Group on Climate Change and Environment
The overall objective of the Theme Group on Climate Change and Environment is to coordinate the activities and pool of knowledge of the UN system and donor agencies in support of UNDAF Outcome 3 (UNDAF Outcome 3: More efficient management of natural resources and development of environmentally friendly behavior in order to ensure environmental sustainability) as a contribution to China’s efforts to balance the development of people and nature.
The group is chaired by Sajjad Ajmal (UNIDO Representative). The Vice Chairs are Hans Troedsson (WHO Representative), Bernhard Schwartlander (UNAIDS Country Coordinator) and Zhang Shigang (UNEP Coordinator). Li Rusong(UNDP) acts as secretariat for the group. UNDP switchboard: +86 10 8532 0800
The objectives of the Theme Group on Gender are: to support the Government of China to achieve gender equality; to facilitate shared understanding of the situation, challenges, and priorities for international assistance; and to advocate for gender mainstreaming.
The group is chaired by Abhimanyu Singh (UNESCO Director and Representative). The Vice Chair is Victoria Sekitoleko (FAO Representative). The membership is open to all relevant national and international partners in China. Yasuyo Yamaguchi (UNIFEM) acts as secretariat for the group. UNIFEM switchboard: +86 10 8532 0903
The objective of the Theme Group on HIV/AIDS is to ensure optimal joint action of UN agencies in support to an effective scaled-up country response towards universal access to AIDS prevention, treatment and care based on the principles of ‘Three Ones’- one agreed AIDS action framework, one national AIDS coordination authority and one agreed monitoring and evaluation system. The Group is responsible for UNDAF Outcome 4 (UNDAF Outcome 4: HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria infection and disease rates are reduced, care and support for those infected improved, and the rights of those living with HIV/AIDS protected).
The group is chaired by Bernard Coquelin (UNFPA Representative). The Vice Chairs are Hans Troedsson (WHO Representative) and Subinay Nandy (UNDP Country Director). Bernhard Schwartlander (UNAIDS) acts as secretariat for the group. UNAIDS switchboard: +86 10 8532 2226
In addition to these theme groups, UN China also has the following task force, inter agency group and management group:
Task Force on China’s engagement in the international arena
The Task Force on China’s engagement in the international arena aims to contribute to the Government’s efforts to engage more deeply in regional and international cooperation. Its main responsibilities include: i) offering a forum for the United Nations agencies to engage with China and other national and international partners in regard to international cooperation; ii) supporting China’s ratification of key conventions and encouraging their implementation; iii) promoting policy dialogue with the Government on issues relating to UNDAF Outcome 5 (UNDAF Outcome 5: Within the framework of international norms, conventions and standards and of the Global Compact, China’s role in the international arena is enhanced, including through providing increased levels of South-South Cooperation) and advocating for international norms and standards on these issues; and iv) providing a platform for promoting key activities under UNDAF Outcome 5, particularly South-South Cooperation.
The task force is chaired by Anthea Webb (WFP Director). The Vice Chair is Sajjad Ajmal (UNIDO Representative). Hedda Femundsenden (UNIDO) acts as secretariat for the task force. UNIDO switchboard: +86 10 6532 3440
Inter-Agency Group Avian and Pandemic Influenza (API)
The inter-agency group on Avian and Pandemic Influenza aims to reflect the unprecedented nature of the threat from Avian Influenza and the multi-sectoral response needed to combat the virus in animals and humans. By 2007, joint efforts and achievements have been made in the following areas: (i) Strengthening the link between the Chinese government and UN System in China in the fight against Avian and Human Influenza; (ii) Facilitating the further engagement of relevant government ministries/agencies to support strengthening of prevention, detection and control of avian influenza and pandemic preparedness in China; (iii) Ensuring regular updates on the Avian and Human Influenza situation and UN activities are provided to UN agencies and staff, the international community and the Government; (iv) Providing technical backstopping in accordance with global protocols, promoting information exchange and knowledge sharing; (v) Coordinating the donor/international community and mobilizing resources for more sustainable responses to AI; and (vi) Strengthening UN in-house awareness and preparedness with reinforced communication on Avian and Pandemic Influenza.
The inter-agency is led by Victoria Sekitoleko(FAO Representative and API Coordinator). Yang Fang (UNDP) acts as secretariat. UNDP switchboard: +86 10 8532 0800
The objective of the team on Disaster Management is to effectively coordinate and programme UN and international resources at country level in all phases of disaster management, namely: preparedness, emergency response, rehabilitation and risk reduction to ensure the least loss of people’s lives and properties and achieve sustainable human development. It is responsible for focus area 5 of UNDAF Outcome 3 (Strengthened natural disaster preparedness and risk management).
The group is chaired by Yin Yin Nwe (UNICEF Representative). The Vice Chair is Anthea Webb (WFP IFAD Country Director). John Floretta (UNV Programme Manager) acts as secretariat for the group. UNV switchboard: +86 10 85320910.