President,

China appreciates UNFPA Acting Executive Director, Ms. Diene Keita for her report and appreciates the inclusive and transparent process of formulating the Strategic Plan of 2026–2029, providig a roadmap for UNFPA’s work over the next four years.

First, China supports UNFPA in fulfilling its mandate in the field of sexual and reproductive health, and in advancing the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. China supports UNFPA’s engagement in the UN80 process, strengthening its mandate, enhancing quality and efficiency, improving transparency, and more consultation with Member States. In light of the sharp decline of UNFPA funding due to the U.S. funding cut, China calls on developed countries to honor their ODA commitments and provide sufficient and predictable core resources, laying a solid foundation for the implementation of the new strategic plan.

Second, as the largest developing country with a population of over 1.4 billion, China regards UNFPA as an important partner and has consistently provided voluntary contributions—and will continue to do so. The two sides will implement the new cycle of China country programme, to support China in addressing emerging challenges in the field of population and development, and actively respond to pressing needs of the Global South through trilateral cooperation, promoting the full implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action and the achievement of relevant Sustainable Development Goals for the benefit of all.

Third, it would come as no surprise if U.S. representative later once again regurgitate the same old remarks and levy baseless accusations on the legitimate cooperation between China and UNFPA. These accusations are utterly groundless that China categorically rejects. China’s country programme is fully in line with the rules of the Executive Board and the China UNSDCF and its overall orientation. China is not prone to the malaise of jealousy when it comes to the development of other countries, nor it will engage in unjustified crackdowns and containment, sparing not even one’s own allies, neighbors and LDCs .Who is, after all, cutting the funding to UNFPA, condemning millions of vulnerable women and children in the state of existential threat?Who is abandoning global developoment consensus? I think the international community is clear-eyed.

If the U.S. representative does not accuse China in his later remarks,it means he has finally come to senses. China acknowledges this improvement. It’s always the right thing to own up to one’s mistakes. In case the U.S. representative is bent on accusing China once again, China has already made its position clear.

In closing, we congratulate Ms. Diene Keita on the announcement of her intended appointment as UNFPA Executive Director.

Thank you, President.