The United Nations system in China and the United Nations Association of China on Monday jointly held a "Stand Up for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)" special event to mark the 62th anniversary of the UN and the midpoint for the MDGs.

 

The event included a reception and a performance of Chinese ancient music and drew an audience of some 1,200 from the government, diplomatic corps, all walks of society and the media.

 

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi spoke highly of the UN's efforts and achievements in safeguarding world peace and prosperity, promoting economic and social development of all countries and creating a better world.

 

UN Resident Coordinator in China Malik Khalid praised China's achievements in realizing the MDGs, saying China is leading the way in achieving the MDGs and it has achieved ahead the fundamental goal of reducing poverty by half.

 

"It is very close identity between the UN MDGs and China's goal of building the 'Xiaokang' harmonious society ... my colleagues at the UN system are ready to be here with you to make the goals work," the coordinator said.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 23, 2007)