Mr. Chairman,

China welcomes the dialogue between the Second Committee and the heads of the five UN regional commissions. These five regional economic commissions are important platforms for the UN system to carry out cooperation at the regional level. They play an important role in such areas as formulating regional macroeconomic policies and development plans, promoting regional economic integration and implementing the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

In May 2018, the 73rd Session of the General Assembly adopted a resolution on the reform of the UN development system. The reform of regional economic commissions is an important component of the repositioning of the UNDS. China believes that the regional economic commissions should focus on supporting member states in the implementation of SDGs and the follow-up assessment, strengthen targeted policy research in light of the situations on the ground so as to help relevant regions and countries improve the overall level of development. In addition, UNDS should strengthen the interface between headquarters and its regional presence, and the policy guidance of DESA to the work of the regional commissions should be enhanced.

Mr. Chairman,

As an important UN regional agency for economic and social development, ESCAP has, for many years, taken the implementation of the 2030 agenda as its responsibility by actively promoting regional economic integration, connectivity, cooperation in capacity-building and other areas. It has made important contribution to the development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.

Mr. Chairman,

China attaches great importance to the role of ESCAP, and hopes that under the leadership of Executive Secretary Ali Shahbana, more results will be achieved in its efforts to uphold multilateralism, build an open economy, promote economic integration and connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region, facilitate inclusive development and implement the 2030 agenda so as to promote coordinated economic, social and environmental development in the region. Committed to open development, ESCAP has adopted the The Bangkok Declaration on Regional Economic Cooperation and Integration in Asia and the Pacific and advanced the process of integration. It has also pushed forward the implementation of the initiatives for connectivity, such as the Asian Highway Network, Pan-Asia railway Network and the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway. It has adopted a number of resolutions on connectivity. It is the first among UN agencies to adopt the resolution on the Belt and Road Initiative. It is also the first among UN agencies to develop a road map for the implementation of the 2030 agenda, focusing on development and helping developing countries enhance their development capacity.

China will continue to firmly support ESCAP in playing a bigger role in sustainable development. Through the China-ESCAP Cooperation Program, we have supported cooperation initiatives in agriculture, poverty reduction, education, health and other areas. ESCAP is an important partner in building the Belt and Road, China will pursue the green development vision and advocate green, low-carbon, circular and sustainable production and lifestyle, stay committed to strengthening cooperation in environmental protection, prevent ecological and environmental hazards and enhance consensus on the green development, facilitate understanding and support of environmental friendliness among governments, enterprises and the public along the Belt and Road. We will further enhance international cooperation in tackling climate change and jointly building a green Belt and Road. We will adhere to the concept of sustainable development in our efforts to build the Belt and Road.

China hopes that ESCAP will spearhead innovation-driven development, seize the opportunities offered by digitalization, networking and smart development, support countries in technological, business and model innovation and create new drivers for growth. At the same time, the repositioning of UNDS should be used as an opportunity to ensure that repositioning will take into account the needs of developing countries in implementing the 2030 agenda and the conditions of the region. The execution capacity and operational efficiency of ESCAP should continue to be improved in order for it to contribute more to the sustainable development and the well-being of the people in Asia and the Pacific.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.