Members and guests of United Nations Country Team in China gathered on Wednesday in Beijing to celebrate the UN Day, and swore to further promote the Sustainable Development Goals.

The celebration, themed "Better Together - Partnerships for SDGs", aimed to highlight the importance of partnerships to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and showcase the inspiring examples of contributions from inclusive partners in promoting SDGs and addressing the most critical issues of the time. This year marks the 73rd anniversary of UN.

Nicholas Rosellini, UN resident coordinator, quoted from late UN secretary-general Kofi Annan in his welcome address, saying that "more than ever before in human history, we share a common destiny. We can master it only if we face it together. And that, my friends, is why we have the United Nations".

He said the legacy of Annan lives on, and UN members would keep carrying forward his belief and spirit, and stay closely together to face the challenges in today's world.

Liu Shuang, COO of Phoenix Satellite TV and CEO of Phoenix New Media, opened the celebration by a welcome speech to guests to Phoenix Media Centre, and introduced the company's efforts for promoting the SDGs.

Zhang Jun, assistant minister of foreign affairs, stressed that the world is facing pressing challenges and multilateralism becomes critical in helping address the issues, and China is and will be the firm supporter for multilateralism and will continue to offer strong support to the UN for its efforts worldwide.

Ghanaian Saxophonist Steve Bedi – also the Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS, as well as performers from Peace Companion Orchestra, Central Conservatory of Music Student Band, and Peking University presented shows during the celebration.

The 2030 Agenda, adopted by the international community in 2015, outlines a universal plan of action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. Its 17 SDGs and 169 associated targets are the successors of Millennium Development Goals touching upon almost every aspect of development.

The UN System in China consists of 24 UN funds, programs and specialized agencies, working in partnership with governmental and non-governmental organizations at various levels to support Chinese government to implement its national development objectives as well as internationally agreed development goals. Its working focus includes poverty reduction and equitable development, improved and sustainable environment, and enhanced global engagement.