Mr. President,

The Chinese delegation thanks Dr. Babatunde Osotimehi, Executive Director of UNFPA, for his presentation.

China supports his vision for the work of UNFPA in 2016 and encourages the Fund to continue its effective implementation of Strategic Plan 2014-2017. China has taken note of the Executive Director’s analysis of the current state of funding and the 2016 fundraising projection. We are concerned about the declining trend of UNFPA’s core resources, including the adverse effect of the volatility of exchange rates on core resources as well as the challenges in keeping a balance between core and non-core resources. Stable, adequate and predictable core resources constitute an important guarantee for UNFPA’s support for national follow-ups to the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development. We urge donors to continue to honor their commitment and make efforts to increase their contributions to core funding. Meanwhile, China hopes that UNFPA will continue to beef up its internal control and management; pay attention to keeping a rational ratio between staff costs and funds for programs activities at the country level; and improve the efficiency of fund utilization, with a view to ensuring program results.

2016 marks the first year for the comprehensive implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Promoting gender equality, improving sexual and reproductive health and lowering maternal, infant and child mortality, which are core elements of the ICPD Programme of Action, have become part and parcel of the 2030 Agenda. China expects UNFPA to play a bigger role in supporting developing countries in their implementation of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

Mr. President,

China pays great attention to the work in the field of population and development. In 2016, China will continue to contribute to the Fund’s core resources. We welcome further deepen our cooperation with the Fund in the field of reproductive health, gender equality, adolescents and youth. Meanwhile, China is ready to share with other developing countries its development experience and actively engage in South-South cooperation in the population area in a drive for common development.

Thank you, Mr. President.