Officials praise UN's role and China's contributions to global development

As the United Nations celebrated its 80th anniversary, senior Chinese and international officials emphasized the organization's indispensable role in global governance and praised China's significant contributions to global development.

They made the remarks on the UN Day Celebration marking the UN's 80th Anniversary held on Oct 24, in Beijing. The celebration was attended by senior diplomats, Chinese government representatives, and UN agency officials.

Addressing the attendees, the eighth UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underscored that "the United Nations is an indispensable organization — the most legitimate global body of our time". He acknowledged the rising distrust and division threatening international cooperation and called for humility and partnership as guiding principles in building a better future for all.

"No single entity — no matter how powerful or resourceful — can do this alone," Ban said. "We must join hands and stand united. In this regard, China's journey toward sustainable development is a testament to what is possible: lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty in such a short time and leading the charge in green innovation."

Cai Wei, assistant minister of foreign affairs, emphasized the historical significance of the year, marking both the UN's 80th anniversary and the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. He noted that over the past eight decades, the UN has embodied the aspirations of people from across the world and made an irreplaceable contribution to upholding world peace and promoting sustainable development.

Cai also highlighted China's role as a founding member of the UN and the first country to sign the UN Charter. China has fully supported the cause of the UN, actively undertaking responsibility as a major country, he said.

He further elaborated on China's vision for a community with a shared future for humanity, outlining initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative. Cai said that these initiatives align perfectly with the principles of the UN Charter and offer China's solution for upholding the UN's authority and revitalizing multilateralism.

"China is ready to work with all parties to act on the four major global initiatives, respond to global challenges in solidarity, press ahead in pursuit of the lofty goal of building a community with a shared future for humanity," Cai stated.

United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, Siddharth Chatterjee, further reinforced the importance of the partnership between the UN and China. He hailed China as a pioneer in renewable energy, an engine of South-South cooperation, and a vital architect of an equitable world through the major global initiatives it has proposed.

Chatterjee emphasized that these initiatives are not merely national strategies but "global contributions that resonate deeply with the founding spirit of the UN Charter."

He concluded by affirming the UN's commitment to deepening cooperation with China, striving to build "a China that is greener, more resilient, and more prosperous", adding that "this success will benefit not just one nation, but all nations".