By Bunmi Yekini
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF’s Executive Director Catherine Russell embarked on a significant visit to China, specifically to the autonomous region of Ningxia, to observe the organization’s efforts in supporting vulnerable children and to assess the profound effects of climate change on their lives.
“China has made impressive gains addressing child and maternal mortality, lifting millions of children and families out of poverty, and driving progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, including universal access to primary education and preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV,” Russell stated during her visit. “China can serve as a role model in reaching global development goals, but challenges remain. UNICEF is committed to continuing our work with the Government of China to help all children realize their full potential, especially the most marginalized.”
With nearly 300 million children, China possesses the second-largest child population globally. Despite notable achievements, significant gaps persist, particularly for over 130 million children who are either migrants or left behind in rural areas as their parents seek employment in urban centers. Moreover, approximately 96% of children in China are exposed to high risks associated with climate and environmental shocks, including drought, floods, typhoons, heatwaves, and air pollution.
In a poignant moment in Beijing, Russell met with participants of the ‘China Youth, Climate Action’ campaign, a joint initiative between UNICEF and various partners, including government bodies and civil society organizations. This campaign aims to equip children and youth with vital knowledge about climate change and green skills, preparing them to develop innovative solutions for climate action. The campaign is set to be showcased at COP29 next month in Azerbaijan.
“Children are the most vulnerable to climate change, but the least responsible for it,” Russell emphasized. “Around the world, UNICEF is seeing the profound impact of climate change on children’s development, health, nutrition, and education. We must put children’s needs and voices at the center. I appreciate China’s efforts in giving children a seat at the table.”
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Russell’s journey also included a visit to Ningxia, where she observed UNICEF-supported initiatives focusing on nutrition, early childhood development, and child protection. She interacted with community health workers conducting home visits to provide counseling to parents on nurturing their young children.
At Yongning Renmin Hospital, Russell witnessed firsthand the benefits of a UNICEF-supported program aimed at enhancing newborn health for mothers and their babies.
Throughout her stay, Russell engaged in high-level discussions with key government officials, including representatives from the State Council and the Ministry of Commerce. She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Chinese government and various stakeholders to advocate for children’s rights in China and globally, ensuring the fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goals and the effective response to humanitarian crises.