UN Secretary-General's message praises China’s poverty reduction strategies

UN Secretary-General António Guterres sent a message for The Global Poverty Reduction and Development Forum, saying that the targeted poverty reduction strategies are the only way to achieve the ambitious targets set out in the 2030 Agenda.

The Forum was held on October 9 in Beijing, themed on Targeted Poverty Alleviation and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

Guterres said in the message that during the past 25 years, the number of people living in extreme poverty has halved and living conditions have improved all over the world; but the fight against poverty is not over. According to him, globalization and technological progress have increased inequalities and left millions of people behind. Reducing and eradicating poverty is the key to improving lives and realizing the potential of hundreds of millions of people, he said.

Guterres noted that targeted poverty reduction strategies are the only way to reach those farthest behind and achieve the ambitious targets set out in the2030 Agenda. China has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, and its experiences can provide valuable lessons to other developing countries. He believes China’s continued efforts to address its remaining challenges, and its model of inclusive development, will continue to reduce the numbers of those living in poverty and help address the serious disparities between rich and poor, rural and urban, the coast and the interior.

"We are at a critical juncture for implementation of the 2030 Agenda. With the right tools and partnerships, we can make sure that no child is born into poverty, and that everyone has a chance to thrive in a more equitable, prosperous and sustainable world. I urge China’s continued leadership in this effort,” He emphasized.