International Conferences

　　【China-ASEAN Forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction】 From July 13 to 15, the 4th China-ASEAN Forum on Social Development and Poverty Reduction was held in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It was hosted by the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development (LGOP) and the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, co-organized by the International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC) and the Poverty Alleviation Office of Guangxi and supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Its theme was “Free Trade and Poverty Reduction”. Over 160 people attended the forum, including the heads of the social development and poverty reduction departments of ten ASEAN countries, well-known experts and scholars in the relevant field, famous entrepreneurs, as well as representatives of NGOs and international organizations. Mr. Zheng Wenkai, Deputy Director-General of LGOP presided over the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech on "China's Poverty Reduction in the Context of Free Trade".

　　The participants conducted discussions on trade liberalization, economic growth and development strategy. The main topics included: Demonstration of Asia’s successful experience, the release of trade potential, promoting growth and poverty reduction, the impact means of trade liberalization on poverty reduction and coping strategies, etc. In addition, the representatives of ASEAN countries conducted country presentations based on their countries’ actual situation and the theme of the forum.

　　【International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) on Poverty Alleviation】 From July 17 to 18, 2010, hosted by the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee and co-sponsored by the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government and the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development (LGOP), the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) on Poverty Alleviation was convened in Kunming, Yunnan Province. Chinese President and General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Hu Jintao sent his congratulations to the Conference. Hui Liangyu, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech. More than 120 representatives from 57 political parties of 30 countries attended the event and, conducted heated discussions on the theme of “Poverty Alleviation: the Common Responsibility for Political Parties in Asia” and two sub-topics: “Exploring the Path for Poverty Alleviation Suitable for Asia” and “the Role of Asia’s Poverty Alleviation in Achieving MDGs”. The event finally adopted the Kunming Proposal of Asian Political Parties on Poverty Alleviation and achieved the desired purpose of "exchanging experience in poverty reduction, promoting dialogues on development and promote political cooperation".

　　【Poverty Reduction and Development Forum - 10.17 Forum】 On October 17, 2010, the poverty reduction and development forum and the price-awarding ceremony of the third "China Poverty Eradication Award" was held in Diaoyutai State Guesthouse of Beijing to mark the 18th International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. It was jointly sponsored by LGOP and United Nations in China and co-organized by IPRCC, UNDP and China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation. Hui Liangyu, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Vice Premier of the State Council and Head of the State Council Leading Group for Poverty Alleviation and Development attended the opening ceremony, awarded the winners of "China Poverty Eradication Award" and delivered a speech. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon sent a message of congratulations to the forum. Ms. Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile, Director of UN Women and Chairperson of the Advisory Group to the UN Social Protection Floor Initiative delivered speeches on the opening ceremony. Deputy Head of the State Council Leading Group for Poverty Alleviation and Development and LGOP Director-General Fan Xiaojian chaired the opening ceremony, read the decisions on awarding the winners of "China Poverty Eradication Award" and delivered a keynote speech at the forum. 14 domestic and foreign minister-level representatives and over 300 Chinese government leaders and representatives of international organizations, research institutions, foreign embassies to China, social groups, enterprises and media attended the event.

　　The participants conducted extensive and in-depth discussions on the “Challenges for Growth and Development in the 21st Century: Promoting Fairness and Sustainable Development”, "Economic Structure Adjustment, Urbanization, Promoting Employment and Poverty Reduction" and "Efficient Development of Resources and Poverty Reduction", exchanged ideas on how to promote the transformation of development patterns and poverty reduction and awarded the winning units and individuals of the "China Poverty Eradication Award".

　　【Launching meeting of sustainable development project in poor rural areas of China】  On October 20, 2010, the Launching Meeting of Sustainable Development Project in Poor Rural Areas of China (Phase V of Poverty Relief Project of the World Bank) was convened in Beijing by LGOP and the World Bank. World Bank Vice President Inger Andersen addressed the meeting and LGOP Director-General Fan Xiaojian was present at the event and delivered a concluding speech. Nearly 260 representatives from he National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Finance and other ministries, IFAD, the International Program (China) and other international organizations as well as three project provinces (municipalities) - Henan, Shaanxi and Chongqing attended the conference. The meeting was convened to make the international community fully understand China's basic national conditions and the great significance of the implementation of Phase V of Poverty Relief Project of the World Bank, further expand the areas for opening up of poverty reduction and strengthen international cooperation. It also aimed to make the leaders of project provinces (municipalities) pay more attention to Phase V of Poverty Relief Project of the World Bank and enhance the confidence and determination of project implementation agencies at all levels in doing a good job in project construction.

　　【Africa-China Poverty Reduction and Development Conference】 From November 1 to 3, 2010, the Africa-China Poverty Reduction and Development Conference was held in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. This event was co-hosted by IPRCC, UNDP and the government of Ethiopia and last for three days. From November 1 to 2, the seminar was held in the United Nations Building. On November 3, the participants paid a visit to China’s East Industrial Park in Egypt, Dugda Flower Base and Ethiopia Commodity Exchange. The event brought together more than 250 participants consisting of the decision-makers, researchers and practitioners of the African and China’s government departments, research institutions and private sectors as well representatives of international organizations. The key issues discussed at the meeting included: (1) Development and Transformation: A High Growth Rate in Africa; (2) Transformation Lessons: China’s Experience in Poverty Reduction; (3) Solving Africa's Food and Clothing Problem - Is Africa the Next Agricultural Power? Enhancing Societal Capabilities and Social Cohesion; (4) New Emerging Economies and New Development Partnership in the Context of Globalization.

　　Administrator of UNDP Helen Clark, Prime Minister of Ethiopia Meles Zenawi and LGOP Deputy Director-General Mr. Zheng Wenkai attended the opening ceremony on the morning of the first day and respectively delivered key speeches to answer the questions of participants. During the event, Administrator of UNDP Helen Clark held bilateral talks with LGOP Deputy Director-General Zheng Wenkai and witnessed the signing of "Letter of Intent on the Construction of China-Africa Window" between IPRCC and UNDP China.