Beijing, July 15, 2024 – Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director and United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, recently led efforts to enhance UNICEF’s collaboration with Chinese partners, focusing on delivering high-quality services and educational resources to children worldwide, particularly those in humanitarian crises and developing nations.
On July 9, UNICEF and the Ministry of Education of China formalized their partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding. This agreement designates China as a Champion Country in the Gateways to Public Digital Learning Initiative. Gateways, managed jointly by UNICEF and UNESCO, aims to establish inclusive, high-quality national digital learning platforms and content, fostering global knowledge exchange. As a Champion Country, China commits to providing technical and financial support to this initiative.
During the signing ceremony, Mr. Chaiban praised China’s dedication to global education, stating, “China’s leadership in digital education, coupled with its technical expertise, positions it well to address global learning challenges.”
Vice Minister of Education of China, Mr. Chen Jie, expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasizing, “China and UNICEF are strengthening their cooperation through the Gateways initiative, aiming to benefit every child and youth globally.”
On July 15, Mr. Chaiban further solidified UNICEF’s collaboration with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) through another memorandum of understanding. This agreement focuses on enhancing primary health care systems in Africa, particularly at the community level. Additionally, UNICEF, China CDC, and Africa CDC will work together to improve surveillance, prevention, and control of infectious diseases across African nations, as well as evaluate and validate public health interventions.
Dr. Shen Hongbing, Director General of China CDC, underscored the importance of this partnership and expressed confidence in its potential to bolster global health efforts, especially in Africa.
Mr. Chaiban reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to improving health services for children in Africa, remarking, “This agreement marks an exciting opportunity to expand access to quality health care through collaborative efforts.”
In addition to signing agreements, Ted Chaiban addressed high-level discussions during his visit to China. At the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development on July 12, hosted by the China International Development Agency (CIDCA), Mr. Chaiban highlighted the impact of climate change on children in humanitarian crises and outlined pathways for sustainable development.
This series of engagements underscores UNICEF and China’s shared commitment to advancing child welfare globally through robust health interventions and transformative digital education initiatives.
Related topics:
- Health Advocates Challenge Philip Morris Over IQOS Launch in the U.S.
- Bread That is Not Ultra-Processed: A Guide to Healthy Options
- Oral Health Providers Rally Behind Canadian Dental Care Plan Amid Controversy
