Madam President,

The Chinese delegation thanks Executive Director Mlambo-Ngcuka for her presentation and expresses its appreciation to UN Women for the positive progress it has made in the implementation of Strategic Plan 2014-2017. Here I wish to make the following observations regarding the activities of UN Women.

First, formulate and fine-tune concrete plans to implement the new strategic plan. China has noted that UN Women has already adjusted its planning and performance management processes in accordance with the new strategic plan. We hope UN Women will continue to organically align its new strategic plan, Flagship Program Initiatives and resource allocation with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and take a pragmatic approach to ensure that the new strategic plan is implemented effectively, guided by the Beijing Declaration and Plan of Action and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Second, increase support to the developing countries. China has noted that the highest level of program expenditures between 2014 and 2017 was in sub-Saharan Africa, followed by Asia-Pacific, and in 2017, capacity development continued to be prioritized in UN Women’s work.

We hope that with the roll-out of the new strategic plan, women development issues will continue to receive special attention with particular emphasis on supporting the efforts of the developing countries in women poverty eradication, education, employment and health. A key focus here must be on the capacity building of the developing countries.

Third, adhere to the principle of national ownership. China appreciates that “national ownership” has been emphasized in the strategic plan on various occasions. In carrying out projects on the ground, UN Women should respect the actual needs and priorities of the host country, respect their leadership, and enhance communication and consultation with the host government so as to ensure that the principle is effectively followed in practice.

Fourth, strengthen coordination and cooperation among UN development agencies. UN Women should rationally plan and allocate its limited resources and focus on clearly defined priorities. With regard to implementing the joint chapters in the new strategic plan, special emphasis should be put on creating synergies and collaboration with UNDP, UNICEF and UNFPA to ensure complementarities in key cooperation areas.

Thank you, Madam President.