Wang Yi Briefs on Positive Outcomes of China's Implementation of the Global Development Initiative

On September 20, 2022 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi chaired the Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) in New York.

Wang Yi said, the GDI has made the transformation from "laying a foundation" to "building a framework" and moved from "painting the broad strokes" to "refining the details". Together with global partners, China has made efforts in three aspects to implement the initiative:

First, we have built a platform for cooperation. China has joined hands with all parties to build networks of cooperation in agriculture, education, pandemic countermeasures and climate change response, among other fields. 150 institutions in nearly 40 countries and regions have jointly established the World Technical and Vocational Education and Training League. The China-Pacific Island Countries Climate Action Cooperation Center has been established. China has conducted the joint production of COVID-19 vaccines with 13 countries, including nine member countries of the Group of Friends. We have held over 1,000 capacity-building programs and provided training for over 40,000 people in the member countries of the Group of Friends.

Second, we have increased the input of resources. The Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund has been launched, and provides support for GDI cooperation projects. China has actively replenished the fund of the International Development Association and the Global Environment Facility, and officially launched Phase III of the China-FAO South-South Cooperation Trust Fund, contributing its part to the increase of resources for international development.

Third, we have addressed urgent challenges. The GDI has made poverty reduction one of its key areas, and cooperation projects have focused on poverty reduction, food, health and other areas related to people's livelihood. The first batch of institutions in 17 countries and regions have joined the International NGOs Network for Poverty Reduction Cooperation. The Group of Friends recently made a joint statement and spoke in one voice on food security at the UN General Assembly. Since the beginning of this year, China has implemented and will continue to provide emergency food assistance to developing countries.