The Chinese Government and the UN System in China jointly launch the Report on China's Implementation of the MDGs (2000-15) in Beijing on July 24 (DING YING)

The Chinese Government and the UN System in China jointly launched the Report on China's Implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (2000-15) on July 24 in Beijing.

Later this year, the Post-2015 Development Agenda will replace the MDGs as the new blueprint for future global development. As the deadline for the MDGs fast approaches, the report, which represents China's final progress report on the MDGs, is of special significance.

In 2000, world leaders created the MDGs in New York, and "China has seen unprecedented transformational results in accomplishing the vision," according to the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in China.

China has made great contributions to the MDGs. The country has made numerous achievements including lifting over 439 million people out of poverty between 1990 and 2011, reducing the under-five mortality rate by at least two thirds, cutting the maternal mortality rate by three quarters, halving the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation, and actively engaging in South-South cooperation and providing help to over 120 developing countries in their efforts to meet the MDGs, according to the report. 

In his video message to the launch ceremony, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, "The report is the product of close collaboration between the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the UN System in China. It showcases China's unremitting efforts to implement the MDGs; it records China's journey over the past 15 years; it summarizes our experiences, and it reflects China's aspiration for a better future." 

Wang stressed that China will follow a path of peaceful development, a path of development through reform, a path of development through innovation, and a path of green development. 

"China hopes that the UN, proceeding from this new starting point, will demonstrate continued leadership and coordinate efforts to help countries follow up on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, end poverty and hunger once and for all and achieve sustainable development," said Wang. "China also looks forward to deepening and broadening its cooperation with the UN on development." 

"The publication of this report is a testament to the Chinese Government's hard work while also signifying the importance that it attaches to sharing the country's experience with the rest of the world," said Helen Clark, Chair of the UN Development Group. She congratulated China on the fact that the country has fulfilled many of its MDG targets ahead of schedule. "It is a great contribution to the overall global performance on the MDGs," she said. 

Both the Chinese Government and the UN are confident China will continue to play an important role in accomplishing the future Post-2015 Development Agenda. 

UN Resident Coordinator in China Alain Noudehou stated, "The UN System in China is proud to have supported and witnessed China's transformation over the past decades and very much looks forward to continue strengthening this partnership with the government as we move to the Post-2015 Development Agenda."   

Addressing the releasing ceremony of the report, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong said, "China will integrate its ambitious goals of comprehensively deepening reform and completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects with implementing the Post-2015 Development Agenda."