UN Resident Coordinator in China Nicholas Rosellini gives a speech at the ceremony. Photo: Li Hao/GT

The United Nations Day that marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter and the 40th anniversary of UN China, was celebrated in Beijing on Wednesday. Around 800 participants from government agencies, diplomatic corps, international organizations, business sector, and media representatives joined the event.

With the ratification of the founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent member states of the Security Council, the UN officially came into being on October 24 and hence this day is being celebrated as the UN Day since 1948. 

On UN Day 2019, UN China not only commemorated the creation of the UN, but also the 40th anniversary of the UN's presence in China.

The first UN office was opened in 1979. Over the last forty years, the UN in China has contributed to China's development through support in such areas as humanitarian assistance, health and education, rural development, and industrialization. 

Along with China's remarkable development progress, the role of the UN has shifted from a traditional donor assisting basic needs, to a partner providing advanced policy support and sharing international experience. 

"Today, we are celebrating 40 years of the UN's presence in China. More than anything, the story of the UN's journey in China is of the change. It is a story about the remarkable transformation that has taken place in the country over the past 40 years, and how the UN in China has evolved with it," UN Resident Coordinator in China Nicholas Rosellini said in his welcome speech. "Our focus in China today is to support China's effort to implement the 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and to make sure that 'no one is left behind' as China walks the last mile of poverty alleviation and shift the focus towards high-quality development."

Wang Xiaolong, director-general of Department for International Economic Affairs of the Foreign Ministry delivered a keynote speech, in which he stressed on China's support and practice of multilateralism and reiterated that the country will continue to firmly uphold the international system with the UN at its core.

Long Yongtu, former assistant minister of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, also shared the story of how UN arrived in China, his work experience in the UN development system, and his insights into how the partnership can achieve great success in pursuit of the 2030 Agenda.

During this commemorative event, an interactive digital exhibition was also held, which highlighted key milestones of UN China over the past 40 years.