Madam President,

I would like to thank Mr. Andersson for the comprehensive introduction of the new China CPD. My thanks also go to the UNFPA Headquarters, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, and the country office in China for their efforts in the drafting process. I also wish to thank Member States for setting aside differences in the spirit of unity and supporting the China CPD.

Population development is the foundation of economic and social development. China attaches great importance to its cooperation with UNFPA.

Since 1979, UNFPA has carried out 8 consecutive cycles of CPDs in China and implemented more than 200 cooperation projects, covering the areas of reproductive health, maternal and child care services, aging, gender equality, and youth education. They have contributed to the formulation and implementation of population development policies in China, and demonstrate the cooperation between UN development entities and developing countries.

Madam President,

At present, COVID-19 continues to spread across the world. All countries are confronted with new challenges in development. China is a developing country with 1.4 billion people. Its development is still unbalanced and inadequate. Its human development index ranks only the 85th in the world.

China's population situation has seen major changes in recent years. The combination of sustained low birth rate, rapid aging and urbanization has brought a series of new problems and challenges,which deep-seated impact on China's socioeconomic development. This means that continued support and assistance from the international community, especially from UNFPA, is important.

Madam President,

Cooperation between China and UNFPA has always been on an equal footing and mutually beneficial. We appreciate UNFPA's strong support. At the same time, China actively contributes to the cause of international development.

China provides voluntary contributions to UNFPA every year. In 2020, China provided 2.4 million dollars in voluntary contributions and half million yuan in resident cost.

Furthermore, China has carried out triangular cooperation with UNFPA through the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund. We have implemented projects on public health, maternal and child care and disaster relief in many developing countries with good results.

China is ready to further consolidate its cooperation with UNFPA. We will continue to follow the principles of the UN Charter and relevant GA resolutions in development area. With concrete actions, we are making every efforts to help other developing countries respond to the pandemic, implement the 2030 Agenda and the ICPD Programme of Action, and achieve common development.

Madam President,

The new China CPD has incorporated the inputs of various stakeholders. It is aligned with UNSDCF, and is in conformity with China's development priorities. China fully supports the CPD.

We stand ready to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with all stakeholders in the follow-up implementation and jointly support the work of UNFPA. We sincerely hope that all members of the Executive Board will support the review and approval of the China CPD.

Thank you, Madam President.