Opening Remarks by Mr James George at the 2024 UN China Procurement Seminar

September 19, 2024

Dear Mr. Zhang Yi, Deputy Director General CICETE

Dear Mr. Jin Junfeng, Vice Governor of Qingpu District People’s Government

Dear Ms. Palamini, Head of Programme, UNOPS South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO)

Distinguished representatives from Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, and Shanghai Hongqiao International Central Business District Management Committee

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning!

On behalf of the UNDP in China and all our partners, I am delighted to welcome you to the 2024 UN China Procurement Seminar in vibrant Shanghai.

Although I am unable to join you in person today, I am happy to address you through this video message and be part of this important event.

This seminar marks the third iteration of our flagship event under the "Knowledge Sharing, Capacity Building, and Support Service Programme on Sustainable Procurement".

The initiative, in collaboration with CICETE, UNOPS, Shanghai Qingpu District People’s Government, and Shanghai Glorious Investment Development Company, underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable development and accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

With less than 6 years to the deadline, and with most goals off track and some climate targets even regressing, we must take immediate action to advance the SDGs and protect our planet.

This is where sustainable procurement plays a critical role.

It is more than a practice—it is a fundamental strategy that harmonizes economic activity with environmental and social responsibility.

Through sustainable procurement, we are not only working to reduce our carbon footprint but also to embed equity and inclusivity into our global supply chains.

As one of the top procurers in the UN System over the last five years - with the most diverse range of commodities being purchased, UNDP has put forward the Procurement for Sustainable Development Strategy.

"With less than 6 years to the deadline, and with most goals off track and some climate targets even regressing, we must take immediate action to advance the SDGs and protect our planet. This is where sustainable procurement plays a critical role."

It positions the organization’s procurement function as a key enabler in realizing inclusive structural transformation and building resilience through leveraging innovation and digitalization for optimized, sustainable procurement processes.

China, as a major global economy, has a unique opportunity to align its procurement practices with international sustainability standards.

Our sustainable procurement program aims to do just this: advocate for sustainable procurement while striving to align China’s practices with global best practices, and international norms and standards.

Furthermore, we are committed to empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and women-owned businesses (WOBs) in China.

These businesses, though often rich in potential and innovation, frequently face barriers due to the lack of capacity and information accessibility. We aim to enhance their exposure to international procurement opportunities, enabling them to strengthen their capabilities.

In closing, I want to emphasize that your engagement and contributions are vital.

This seminar serves as a platform to explore and deepen our understanding of how to incorporate economic, environmental, and social sustainability into our procurement practices.

Together, we can drive meaningful change, foster inclusive growth, and make significant strides towards our shared global goals.

I look forward to the outcomes of today’s discussions and the impactful results that may follow.

Thank you.