H.E. Mr. Ma Zhaoxu, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, People’s Republic
of China
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Colleagues from the United Nations,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the UN system in China, thank you for joining us for this
auspicious occasion as we commemorate the coming into force of the UN charter
in 1945.
The Charter begins with the powerful phrase “we the peoples…..”
signifying that at its birth, the United Nations was a symbol of global unity
for member states and all people. And the global conversations launched by the
UN in China and around the world under the 75th anniversary theme of 2020 and
Beyond – Shaping our Future Together” – have demonstrated just that - a deep
desire and a conviction for a “peoples’ UN” that stands with and delivers for
all people.
This year’s commemoration is taking place at a time of colossal
challenge brought about by COVID-19. As the Secretary General has said – “a
small microscopic virus has brought the world to its knees” and has sounded a
wake-up call for global solidarity and shared responsibility. International
cooperation is the only way out of the pandemic (as well as other borderless
challenges we face in our interconnected world).
The case for re-invigorated multilateralism has never been stronger but
so too is the clarion call for getting back on course in this “Decadeof
Action”, to deliver on Agenda 2030. We must use recovery efforts to examine how
we “build back better” and in so doing ensure that we “leave no one behind”,
and also that we “leave no country behind”.
While commemorating our 75th anniversary during a sobering and
reflective time, nothing could have brought a more sweeter validation than the
awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize 2020 to the World Food Programme "for
(and I quote) its efforts to combat hunger, for its contribution to bettering
conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving
force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and
conflict." (end of quote).
The prize (and other prizes to UN agencies before) is about the UN in
action on behalf of its member states. We measure the success of the United
Nations by the lives we save, the suffering we ease, the peace we build, the
opportunities we create, and the rights we protect.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
UN day is an opportunity to say thank you to our host government and
the people of China.
We are able to congregate today because of the phenomenal efforts made
by the Government and the People of China, to bring the COVID-19 epidemic under
control. That is no mean achievement, and we know it has been made at great
personal (and other) sacrifice.
We salute China for its steadfast commitment to multilateralism both in
financial terms and in action. We are encouraged by China’s increasingly active
participation on various multilateral platforms and we were particularly
pleased by its recent decision to join COVAX and to contribute broadly to what
Secretary General Guterres calls a “People’s Vaccine”.
As we look ahead to 2030 in this “Decade of Action”, we must single out
China’s most remarkable poverty alleviation efforts. They deserve great
recognition for the contribution they make towards realization of SDG 1
globally. And the UN will be pleased to continue working with China in building
on achievements to-date in order to move to full realization of SDG 1 by 2030.
Secondly, President Xi’s recent pledge at the UN General Assembly that
China will achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 is a powerful response to the
Paris Accord and the Secretary General’s call for strong climate action.
Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Looking forward, let me assure the Government of China and its people
of our continued close partnership as it now focuses on high quality
development. A new Cooperation Framework, mutually agreed and signed between
the UN and the Government of China (2021-2025) ensures alignment with the
upcoming 14th year plan and embodies the vision and aspirations of Agenda 2030
Friends, Comrades……the foundation of the UN system’s work on the ground
is partnerships with all of you and on this special UN anniversary we also
salute and thank you.
The UN also extends special thanks to partners that made today’s event
possible. The Sino-Scandinavian Innovation & Entrepreneurship Centre and
Teochew International Federation my dear sister and friend of the UN Ms. Tian
Wei, for guiding us smoothly throughout today’s programme.
Last but not least, I am personally inspired every day by the talent
and dedication of the UN team you see in front of you and the wider United
Nations Family in China. They are the spirit of the United Nations – they
embody the spirit of service for the good of humanity.
With your support, we will never, ever give up in our mission and in
our work to fulfil the enduring vision of the UN Charter in China and the
world.
Please allow me to propose a toast…
Please Join me in a toast to the enduring spirit of the UN Charter and
to We, the peoples….
I thank you.
