On 10 February 2005, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Qiao Zonghuai participated in the high-level meeting of the 43rd session of social development committee of the United Nations held in New York. Representatives from over 100 countries and international organizations were present and delivered speeches. Vice Minister Qiao stated in his speech that this year is of special significance, because it marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, the 10th anniversary of the UN summit on social development and the 5th anniversary of the formulation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). He affirmed the efforts made by different countries in recent years in the field of social development. He pointed out that it is a long-term and arduous task to fulfill the pledges made at the summit on social development and to realize MDGs. Vice Minister Qiao suggested that priorities should be given to the following four areas: 1. Making joint efforts to create a peaceful international environment. 2. Choosing appropriate development road on the basis national conditions. 3. Furthering the reform and establishing all-round partnership. 4. Strengthening coordination and earnestly implementing the program of action.

Mr. Qiao emphasized that while realizing national modernization and accelerating economic development, it is essential to maintain coordinated economic and social development, put people's interests first, and establish the value of all-round, coordinated and sustainable scientific development. With China's sustainable, high-speed and healthy development in recent years, all social undertakings have witnessed marked progress. We will continue to achieve coordinated social and economic development and narrow the gap between the public services of rural and urban areas.

On the same day, Vice Minister Qiao also took part in the penal discussions on poverty eradication and had in-depth exchange of views with participants on international poverty eradication endeavor and poverty eradication practices in different countries.

Click here for Mr. Qiao's statement

Mr. Qiao met with UN USG Mr. Ocampo.	Mr. Qiao received an interview by UN Radio.