UNDP, China advance South-South cooperation, benefiting millions

September 12 marks the United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation.

On Saturday, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in China released an update at a seminar in Hangzhou on the latest progress of development projects it has implemented in partnership with China, highlighting the fruitful results.

With funding from China, including through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, the UNDP has worked with the Chinese government to implement 39 South-South development cooperation projects since 2011, according to the UNDP.

The projects have focused on practical needs in developing countries, from rebuilding homes and schools in areas hit by climate-related disasters and helping children return to classrooms, to providing vocational training and targeted support for low-income families.

China has also helped introduce green technologies to support sustainable development in countries of the Global South.

According to the latest UNDP figures, these projects, jointly implemented by UNDP and China in 26 countries, have benefited nearly 20 million people.

"Only through cooperation can countries jointly address global challenges that no single country can solve alone," said Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative in China.

"This spirit of cooperation is reflected in China's growing efforts to advance global development,"Liller said.

"UNDP is honored to be part of these efforts and to work with China to promote international development cooperation and build a more sustainable future that benefits vulnerable groups." At Saturday's seminar, around 100 representatives from government agencies, academia and the private sector also discussed new approaches to sustainable development aimed at ensuring that "no one is left behind." Participants said cooperation with China is increasingly focused on translating development experience into concrete projects, rather than remaining at the level of abstract concepts.

They noted that China's experience and expertise in areas including poverty reduction, industrial upgrading and digital transformation are being shared internationally through diverse forms of cooperation.

As countries confront emerging challenges such as the digital divide, participants also called for greater efforts to ensure that artificial intelligence and digital transformation create opportunities for all, rather than widen existing inequalities.

Stephen Jackson, UN resident coordinator in China, said China's own development experience gives it a unique platform to share lessons with other developing countries in areas including green and energy transitions, education, employment and social security.