The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (MOFCOM) signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) today at UNDP Headquarters in New York, to explore the deepening of their collaboration and support to developing countries in areas of mutual interest, including through the establishment of a UNDP Global Center for Sustainable Development ("the Center") in the City of Shanghai.
UNDP and China have been long term partners, working together for 45 years to advance various phases of China's development. The announcement was made to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations to advance international collaboration in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and as UNDP commemorates its 60th anniversary.
The Shanghai Global Center for Sustainable Development (SGCSD) is envisaged to serve as a unique platform within UNDP's global network and technical expertise, to provide new forms of collaboration and partnerships, accelerating green economic transitions, including through digital economy, trade, and sustainable finance to help developing countries achieve sustainable development transformations.
Haoliang Xu, UNDP's Acting Administrator stated, "The Centre has the potential to become a major contributor to accelerating sustainable development progress as we approach 2030. By drawing on the city's experience and long tradition of innovation, we aim to support developing countries through demand-driven policy research, capacity building, co-creation of solutions, and by mobilizing and aligning resources for sustainable development."
Wang Wentao, Hon. Minister of Commerce, China stated, "China supports the establishment of a UNDP Global Center for Sustainable Development in Shanghai. China is willing to share its development experience in areas such as green transition, digital economy, and trade. This responds to the urgent needs of developing countries worldwide to achieve green and digital transformation, and will better help developing countries accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."
