2020 marks my fourth year at the United Nations in China. 2020 is also a watershed for the UN –
the 75th anniversary of its founding and the beginning of a decade of action, with only ten years
left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). And here in China, 2020 is the year
the government has vowed to eradicate poverty across the country.
However, the recent outbreak of a Novel Coronavirus is threatening to destabilize these efforts
unless everyone, from governments to the private sector, step up and support those most in need.
The COVID-19 is a devastating outbreak with an unprecedented response. Like many of you, I
follow the situation on a regular basis. Today, we stand at 88,948 confirmed cases globally, the
vast majority of these still here in China. Many unknowns still exist and around the world many
are feeling anxious.
Since the outbreak was confirmed and reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on
December 31st 2019, the situation has developed quickly and continues to evolve. Given the
dynamic nature of the situation, China has mobilized itself and adopted comprehensive and
rigorous preventive and control measures. For this, I must congratulate the Chinese government,
as despite the severe social and economic impact many of these preventive measures are having
on the Chinese people, the government has put public health concerns first.
At the UN we hope these measures are short in duration, since, even though China’s health system
has been significantly strengthened over the past years, any country’s health system would be
challenged by an outbreak of a new virus with many unknowns, as we are seeing now.
And importantly, we must make sure this emergency doesn't detract from the development goal of
this year – eliminating extreme poverty. Poorer communities without the capacity or resources may
be disproportionately affected, and there's also the impact on the health system for people not
necessarily suffering from COVID-19, but from other illnesses which may not be prioritized
because of the attention on the coronavirus. Beyond the health system, there's also the impact on
the education system with children not being able to go to school and the broader economic
impact as well.
Since the beginning of the outbreak the international community has mobilized to help the people
of China. At the UN, we’ve urgently procured much-needed emergency supplies, from masks to
monitoring stations. And aside from supporting the immediate health impacts, the UN is ready to
support China with the broader socio-economic impacts, both now and in the long term.
Each UN agency stands firmly together with WHO, bringing their own development expertise.
Already UNDP is translating the key health messages across regional dialects, to make sure those
vulnerable ethnic minority groups have access to this critical information they need. UNICEF has
created an online information portal for parents to help them keep their children safe. UNAIDS
has launched a nationwide survey to make sure all those living with HIV are still receiving the
help they need during this difficult time.
All these actions together are supporting our mandate – to leave no one behind, especially during
this very challenging time.
My sincere hope is that we come together as an international community with China, without
discrimination and without stigma. As the UN Secretary-General has said: “At this time of
heightened anxiety we must stand together in solidarity and compassion”- I cannot echo his
message enough.
Zhong Guo Jia You- stay strong, the United Nations system stand firmly with the people of China
during this critical time.
