Madam Chair,

China associates itself with the statement made by the State of Palestine on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

Poverty eradication is a lofty ideal and unremitting pursuit of mankind. It is the yearning of people of all countries to live a happy life. In September 2015, during the high-level meetings celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, State leaders gathered in New York to discuss development, and adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with poverty eradication as its primary goal, demonstrating the confidence and determination of the international community to work together for the global cause of poverty reduction.

Madam Chair,

Thanks to the joint efforts of the international community, the global cause of poverty reduction has seen progress in recent years. Yet numerous problems such as poverty and hunger, as well as the resulting diseases and social conflicts still plague many countries. At present, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, and the global economy is in danger of slipping back into a recession. As a result, countries, especially developing countries are facing greater challenges in achieving poverty reduction goals. The international community should stay united and firmly support multilateralism, pay attention to the concerns of developing countries, and create a more favorable external environment for their development. The international community should support the United Nations in playing a central role in the international system, and effectively push developed countries to fulfill their ODA commitments. At the same time, global development partnerships should be strengthened, so as to help developing countries to achieve the sustainable goals and targets relating to poverty reduction.

Madam Chair,

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Over the past 70 years, China has lifted more than 850 million people out of poverty and contributed more than 70% to global poverty reduction. In 2020, China will achieve poverty alleviation of all rural poor under the current standards, thereby achieving the 2030 poverty reduction goal 10 years ahead of schedule. China's achievement in poverty reduction can be attributed to a people-centered approach with Chinese characteristics developed by the pioneering and hard-working Chinese people.

The first and foremost element of such an approach is government leadership. We incorporate poverty alleviation into the country's overall development strategy, and carry out large-scale targeted plans and activities for specific groups such as women, children, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities. Second, targeted measures for maximum results. We make sure that all policies and benefits reach their intended beneficiaries. Third, poverty alleviation through motivation and skills development, meaning unleashing people's initiative, and improving their development capacity, so as to increase the effectiveness of intervention. Fourth, green development for poverty alleviation. We underscore the protection of eco-environment in our poverty reduction strategy, and say no to development at the cost of environment, in order to enhance sustainability. Fifth, uphold a whole-of-society approach, and give full play to the advantages of the Chinese system, thus forming a poverty alleviation system in which the whole society participates.

Madam Chair,

As the largest developing country, China feels firsthand the challenges faced by other developing countries in poverty reduction. While striving to reduce its own poverty, China actively promotes South-South cooperation, provides assistance, to the best of its abilities, to other developing countries without any political strings attached, and helps developing countries, especially the least developed countries, to eradicate poverty. Over the past 70 years, China has provided more than 400 billion yuan in aid to nearly 170 countries and international organizations around the world, and has dispatched more than 600,000 aid workers, making a great contribution to poverty alleviation and development for other countries.

Looking forward, China is ready to work with all countries to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, promote a new type of international relations based on win-win cooperation, and build a community of shared future for mankind.

Thank you, Madam Chair.