The United Nations was officially established on October 24, 1945, when its founding members ratified the UN Charter. October 24 has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. 

On UN Day 2019, the UN China office not only commemorated the creation of the United Nations but also took this special occasion to mark the 40th anniversary of the United Nations' presence in China.

The first UN office was opened in 1979. Over the 40 years, the UN in China has contributed to China's development through support in areas ranging from humanitarian assistance, health and education to rural development and industrialization. Along with China's remarkable development progress, the role of the UN has shifted from traditional that of a donor providing assistance for basic needs to a partner providing advanced policy support and sharing international experience.

"Today, we are celebrating 40 years of UN presence in China. More than anything, the story of the UN's journey in China is one of 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," Nicholas Rosellini, the UN resident coordinator in China, 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 toward high-quality development."

Wang Xiaolong, director general of Department for International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered a keynote speech on behalf of the Chinese government at the event. Wang stressed that China always supports and practices multilateralism and will continue to firmly uphold the international system with the UN at its core.

Long Yongtu, former vice minister of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, who was the first Chinese government official seconded to the UN in the 80s, shared how the UN arrived in China, his work experience in the UN development system and his insights on how the partnership can achieve great success in pursuit of the 2030 Agenda.

At the commemorative event, an interactive digital exhibition was displayed, highlighting key milestones at UN China over the past 40 years. 

Around 800 people from government agencies, the diplomatic corps, international organizations and the private sector attended the event.

The UN System in China consists of 21 UN funds, programs and specialized agencies resident in China. All UN entities in China work in partnership with governmental and non-governmental organizations at various levels to support the government to implement its national development objectives and Internationally Agreed Development Goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals. UN in China focuses on poverty reduction and equitable development, improved and sustainable environment, and enhanced global engagement.

(Cover: Nicholas Rosellini (L), UN resident coordinator delivers the welcome speech during the celebration of UN Day 2019. He is joined on stage by the UN country team in China, October 24, 2019. /Photo by UN China)