On 16 July 2025, the China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE) brought the voice and vision of Chinese civil society to global stage, co-hosting two dynamic side events at the 2025. UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). The events, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the Beijing International Exchange Association (BIEA), Peaceland Foundation, and the Shandong Provincial Foundation for Rural Vitalization, drew an international audience of policy makers, youth leaders, and development experts.
The first session, “Inclusive Pathways for Transformative Development in Emerging Economies and the Role of Chinese Civil Society Organizations,” spotlighted strategies to empower marginalized communities and create equitable growth opportunities. The second, “Advocating Technology for Good: Youth‑Driven Scientific Solutions for Sustainable Development,” celebrated the energy and creativity of young innovators using technology to tackle social and environmental challenges.
Participants included representatives from UN DESA, the UN Department of Global Communications, the UN Youth Office, UN Women, and the Permanent Missions of the Dominican Republic, Serbia, and Timor‑Leste, along with NGO leaders, researchers, and youth delegates from across the US, UK, and beyond. Prominent speakers such as Dr. Zhu Jingfang (CNIE), Dr. Rashmi Banga (UN DESA), Mr. Fred Teng (America China Public Affairs Institute), Ms. Guo Jieni (BIEA), Ms. Anita Bhatia (former UN Assistant Secretary‑General), Ms. Li Xiao (Shandong Tongshan Children’s Welfare Development Center), Mr. Danny Haiphong (independent journalist), Ms. Qiu Lili (Peaceland Foundation), and Mr. Thomas Heidelberg (International Medical Crisis Response Alliance)—shared their expertise and stories, highlighting how collaboration and innovation can accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS).
Adding to the celebration, CNIE hosted a vibrant photo exhibition, “UN at 80: Contributions of Chinese Civil Society,” which drew significant attention from attendees. Together, the events showcased how Chinese civil society is driving inclusive, technology-powered solutions to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
