Fund continues support for peace, development

UN peacekeeping, the Belt and Road Initiative and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will continue to be priorities for the China-UN Peace and Development Trust Fund in 2017 and 2018, according to the Chinese Permanent Mission to the UN.

The Guidance Committee of the China-UN Peace and Development Trust Fund met for the second time on Oct 27 at UN headquarters in New York, presided over by Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, chef de cabinet to UN Secretary General António Guterres. The meeting reviewed the implementation of programs in 2016, the fund's financial situation and related project applications.

Wu Haitao, charge d'affairs of the mission, said at the meeting that General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out in his speech at the 19th National Party Congress in Beijing that China will stick to the road of peace and development, and push for the building of a community for shared destiny for mankind.

China maintains the global governance view of extensive consultation, making joint contributions and sharing benefits and supports the UN to play an active role in international affairs. The setup of the China-UN Peace and Development Fund has strongly demonstrated the commitments China has made, Wu said.

Wu said he hoped the fund's management team will continue work on its branding.

President Xi Jinping announced during the UN's 70th anniversary summit in 2015 that China will establish a $1 billion China-UN peace and development fund to support the UN's work in peace, development and security.

Li Junhua, director general of the international division of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the 19th NPC reaffirmed China's support for the UN and highlighted the UN's important role in China's national development and international relations, which reflect China's support for UN's work and multilateralism.

Chen Zhibin, a deputy director general from China's Ministry of Finance, said the ministry will provide funds as scheduled to support its operation and he hoped the secretariat will ensure a solid financial status for the fund.

Progress has been made on the first batch of 13 projects, according to Viotti, who expressed hope that the fund will play a greater role in advancing international peace and development.

The UN Economic and Social Affairs Department will continue to work with China to fully implement related projects of the fund and contribute to the 2030 Agenda, said Under-Secretary-General Liu Zhenmin.