00:00This actually was my second year attending the opening of the two sessions
00:05and once again I have to say I was really just impressed by the significance of the occasion,
00:11the atmosphere, the grandeur.
00:15This year of course is especially important because it also marks the first year of the 15th five-year plan
00:22so this did feel like it was an extra special year
00:26and from UNFPA's perspective many of the issues that were raised in the government work program
00:34really resonated very strongly, particularly the focus on improving well-being of people,
00:42continuing to strengthen quality of services, inclusive services
00:46and also continuing to expand social protection.
00:51And in particular in terms of the work that we are focusing on in China
00:56it was, we very much welcome the commitments that were made around enhancing family-friendly policies,
01:05continuing to improve opportunities for older persons,
01:12continuing to develop the silver economy
01:16and also continuing to invest in reproductive health.
01:20So we're very proud to have collaborated with China for almost five decades.
01:25We're reaching the 10th anniversary this year
01:28and also working together in a number of areas on empowering women,
01:33empowering young people and expanding South-South cooperation
01:37on critical areas including reproductive and maternal health.
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