Editor’s Note:

China has made historic achievements in eradicating absolute poverty. By the end of 2020, China had met its poverty reduction target as scheduled after eight years' efforts.

The success in combating poverty is an admirable achievement not only for the Chinese people but also as a model for other countries to improve people's lives and foster development. Experts and professionals share their views and comment on China’s achievements.

Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri

Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to China

China's achievement is globally significant. In fact, the global family of nations had set its own target. Out of the 17 United Nations Sustainability Goals, the very first goal, UNSDG 1, is "End poverty in all its forms everywhere". With these goals forming part of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, China has met this target 10 years ahead of schedule.

Alongside Indonesia, China has contributed to falling rates of extreme poverty, from nearly half of the world's population in 1990 to just 9.3 percent in 2013. The UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2015 indicates Chinese citizens have played an outsized role in the figures of poverty reduction, and Beijing's policies have greatly contributed to meeting the UN millennium goal to halve extreme poverty globally.