Siddharth Chatterjee 常启德

I began my career with the United Nations 🇺🇳 in 1997, but my commitment to peace was shaped earlier, during a decade of military service 🇮🇳 . That period instilled discipline, duty and loyalty and also exposed me, at close range, to the human cost of violence. Over time, a growing unease took hold: the realisation that force alone cannot address the underlying drivers of conflict. That recognition ultimately led me to seek a different path. un-dco.org/stories/three-…

The Sino 🇨🇳-American 🇺🇸 relationship remains the single most consequential bilateral relationship of the 21st century. It carries within it the unique capacity to address the global challenges that touch every human life on Earth.🌍 I say this not as an American citizen, nor as a Chinese citizen, but as a global citizen shaped by thirty years of frontline multilateral service at the United Nations. 🇺🇳 Here are my full remarks from a recent event hosted by China Daily, which brought together an illustrious array of Chinese and American opinion leaders. 🇺🇸 🤝 🇨🇳 ⬇️ enapp.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202605/22/AP…

Siddharth Chatterjee @sidchat1, former UN resident coordinator in China, said the Sino-US relationship, the most consequential relationship of the 21st century, has the power to tackle global challenges that affect us all. He posed a striking question: Why can't the US Build Back Better Act and China's Global Development Initiative and Global Governance Initiative come together to drive a transformative change? He called this the "why not" moment for China and the US. #ChinaUS

𝗔𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲, 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲–𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗷𝗶𝗻𝗴 Co-convened by Global Neighbours and the Capital Club Beijing, the evening reception brought together diplomats, business leaders, academics, and distinguished members of Chinese society for a substantive exchange on the future of Europe–Asia relations amid an increasingly complex global environment. The Global Neighbours delegation, led by Jovanka Porsche, Founder and Chairwoman, was joined by H.E. Vladimir Norov @VladimirNorov , Board Member of Global Neighbours, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to cross-regional and cross-institutional dialogue. In his remarks, CEO Sid Chatterjee @sidchat1 presented Global Neighbours as a Vienna 🇦🇹 based platform dedicated to constructive dialogue between Europe, Asia, and the wider international community 🌍. He emphasised that in a period of geopolitical transformation, sustained and credible engagement across borders is increasingly essential. Special appreciation is extended to the Ambassadors of Kenya 🇰🇪 and Türkiye 🇹🇷, whose contributions highlighted trust, continuity, and human connection as foundations of international relations. The evening reflected a shared sense of purpose and momentum. The historical Silk Road served as a reminder that connectivity across cultures and regions remains both possible and necessary when grounded in mutual respect and openness. #GlobalNeighbours #EuropeAsia #Dialogue #GlobalCooperation

Our head of mission, HE Willy Bett emphasized the need to trilaterally cooperate as Africa-China and Europe and build on the ancient silk route. Currently, China’s Belt and Road initiative #BRI is being promoted as a revival of this Ancient Silk Road spirit. Therefore, our partnership under the “Tracks to the Future” initiative shall facilitate more cultural exchanges and economic cooperation, specifically in Kenya, along the SGR corridor, thus providing new sources of income and livelihoods #VijanaNaOpportunities Asante sana Balozi Bett & @sidchat1 👏🏾👏🏾

The Capital Club in Beijing 🇨🇳 set the stage yesterday for an evening I will not quickly forget. Diplomats, business leaders, academics, and distinguished members of Chinese society came together not for ceremony, but for genuine conversation — about where Europe and Asia are headed, and what it will take to navigate that journey well. The reception was co-convened by Global Neighbours and the Capital Club, and for me personally, it carried added weight: Beijing is home, and introducing Global Neighbours in a city where I have live felt meaningful in a way that went beyond the professional. Our delegation was led by Ms Jovanka Porsche, who founded Global Neighbours in Austria 🇦🇹 with a clear-eyed conviction that the world needs more spaces for honest dialogue, not fewer. Alongside her was H.E. Vladimir Norov — former Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 and former Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization — whose presence alone communicated something important about the organization’s reach and seriousness of purpose. In my remarks, I spoke about what Global Neighbours actually is: a Vienna, 🇦🇹 based platform committed to bringing Europe, Asia, and the wider world 🌎 into more productive conversation with each other. This is not abstract work. At a moment when the geopolitical ground is shifting in ways that affect ordinary people everywhere, the case for dialogue — real dialogue, not performative diplomacy — has never been stronger. That is the work we are here to do. The Ambassadors of Kenya HE Willy Bett 🇰🇪 and Türkiye 🇹🇷 H.E. Selcuk Ünal to China 🇨🇳both spoke with conviction about the enduring value of trust between nations, and the patience it requires to build it. Their words were a reminder that the best diplomacy is rarely dramatic — it is consistent, human, and ongoing. The evening felt, in the best sense, like a beginning. The Silk Road was never just a trade route; it was proof that connection across distance and difference is possible when there is will and mutual respect. That spirit is very much alive. This room was evidence of it. #TracksToTheFuture #BeltAndRoadInitiative #SilkRoadSpirit #TrilateralCooperation

This is beautifully said Ambassador Ndile and it captures exactly why this evening mattered. The Zheng He 郑和 🇨🇳 connection to Kenya’s coast in Mombassa 🇰🇪 is one of history’s most underappreciated chapters — and Ambassador Willy Bett brought it alive here with both pride and purpose. What is most striking is the framing: diplomacy that doesn’t just talk ties, but builds them. That is the soul of Tracks to the Future. The SGR 🇰🇪🤝 🇨🇳 is not a metaphor — it is proof. And proof is what the next generation deserves, not just promises. Kenya’s voice in this trilateral story is not peripheral. It is central. Grateful to be building this with you. 🇰🇪🇨🇳🌍 #TracksToTheFuture #SilkRoadSpirit #DiplomacyInAction

At the invitation of the Global Neighbours CEO and Former UN Resident to China, @sidchat1 we converged to engage on the “Tracks to the Future” a Trilateral Cooperation and a trilateral bridge across Asia, Africa, and Europe that embodies the very spirit of modern diplomacy, shared history, and global connectivity.  Conceived by Ms. Jovanka Porsche, this initiative revives the ancient Silk Road spirit. Centuries ago, Admiral ZhengHe sailed from China to Kenya’s coast, first to Malindi and Mombasa and later to the Lamu Archipelago. That voyage was the first chapter of Asia-Africa diplomacy. The Belt and Road Initiative is the latest, building on the truth which I believe is infrastructure drives development. Under the Belt & Road initiative, our Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) proves it as it is moving people, goods, and opportunity. It's the modern rail link in an ancient story of connection. Proud that Kenya stands with China and global partners in honoring history, building today to engineer a sustainable future. This Diplomacy in action is not just talking ties, but building them for our youth to derive tangible outcomes and dignified livelihoods #VijanaNaOpportunities #TracksToTheFuture #BeltAndRoadInitiative #ChinaAfricaFOCAC #SilkRoadSpirit #TrilateralCooperation #DiplomacyInActionKE

Deeply honored by the warm welcome from @Tsinghua_Uni 🇨🇳. Tsinghua University has long served as an incubator of visionary leadership — shaping generations of thinkers, innovators, policymakers, and global statesmen who have helped define China’s 🇨🇳 engagement with the world 🌍 and the future of the 21st century. Tackling interconnected challenges requires rigorous, interdisciplinary action and a steadfast commitment to multilateral cooperation. It is a privilege join to this vibrant community of scholars 🧑‍🏫 👨‍🏫 and future leaders as we look for shared solutions for our planet. 🙏🏽🌐

1/2 Yoga fervor hits China 🧘🏽‍♂️ Beginning a final five week countdown to #IDY2026 - #YogaforWellnessWisdomandWorldPeace 🌅🌟💫 ➡️ CG @PratikMathur1 was happy to felicitate organizers of the #Yoga and Pilates Summit of China in Shanghai. The Summit was previously held in Beijing in 2024. ➡️ The Consul General noted the historic scale of the grand event in the lead up to #IDY2026 bringing together thousands of Yoga practitioners and students from across the world in #Shanghai from June 16–19 for the very first time. ➡️ In his engagements at the #Yoga Summit, CG underlined that the historic scale of celebrations and the unprecedented scope of events, covering the expanse of #AYUSH concept of Ayurveda, traditional 🇮🇳 concepts of mindfulness and healthy living once again underlined the truly global impact of Indian culture especially #InternationalDayofYoga celebrations as we get ready to celebrate the twelfth edition in 35 days across the globe. ➡️ CG also appreciated the #IDY2026 enthusiasm in Shanghai, the commercial hub of the region, which also hosts one of the largest cohorts of yoga studios anywhere in the world, underscoring the truly 🌎 impact of our soft power 🧘 ➡️ Consul General in his remarks encouraged more yoga practitioners and wellness enthusiasts to travel to #IncredibleIndia, thus benefiting from #tourism to a civilization with history of #cultural and #peopletopeople ties with the region. @indiandiplomats @indiandiplomacy @EOIBeijing @moayush @iccr_hq @PMOIndia @MEAIndia Amb @VDoraiswami @mygovindia @mpprataprao @gssjodhpur @DDIndialive @PIB_India

At Schwarzman College, Distinguished Visiting Professor Siddharth Chatterjee @sidchat1 , CEO of Global Neighbours, delivered a timely Faculty Talk on “The Imperative of US–China Engagement: Safeguarding Multilateralism in an Age of Drift.” Drawing on more than three decades of leadership across the United Nations system and firsthand experience from Nairobi, Mogadishu, Baghdad, Sarajevo and Jakarta, Professor Chatterjee examined how intensifying geopolitical competition is reshaping the foundations of international cooperation. A central focus of the discussion was the strategic significance of US–China relations at a moment of growing global uncertainty. Referencing President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Beijing on May 14, Professor Chatterjee described the meeting as more than a bilateral engagement. It represents a defining test for whether the world’s two largest powers can manage competition responsibly while preserving the multilateral architecture that underpins global stability, trade and development. The discussion also highlighted how many nations across the Global South increasingly face difficult strategic choices amid shifting power dynamics and accelerating multipolarity. At Global Neighbours, we remain convinced that dialogue, diplomacy and sustained engagement across regions and political systems are essential to building trust and addressing shared global challenges. We thank Schwarzman College at @Tsinghua_Uni and all participants for an important and forward-looking exchange. #GlobalNeighbours #USChinaRelations #Multilateralism

I had the privilege of speaking at the Faculty Talk Series at Schwarzman College 🇺🇸 🇨🇳 Tsinghua University 🇨🇳 , on “The Imperative of US–China Engagement: Safeguarding Multilateralism in an Age of Drift”, as President Trump 🇺🇸 prepares to visit Beijing on May 14, 2026. Drawing on my experiences across the United Nations 🇺🇳 system, from Sarajevo 🇧🇦 to Baghdad 🇮🇶 , Nairobi 🇰🇪 to Mogadishu 🇸🇴, I reflected on a reality that many nations across the Global South understand deeply: when the world’s two largest powers compete without guardrails, everyone else pays the price, & when they collaborate, incredible things happen. We are living through an era where multilateralism is not collapsing dramatically, but eroding quietly — through fragmentation, distrust, transactional politics, and the growing pressure on nations to choose sides. Yet I remain convinced of one thing: The bridge between Washington 🇺🇸 and Beijing 🇨🇳 will not be built in either capital. It will be built painstakingly, imperfectly, necessarily — in the United Nations 🇺🇳 and its institutions, in forums, universities, think tanks, and in conversations that happen in rooms like this one at Schwarzman College 🇺🇸 🇨🇳 at Tsinghua University 🇨🇳 That is not a small thing. That is, in fact, everything. My sincere thanks 🙏 to Dr. Vasilis Trigkas, Schwarzman College, and the students and faculty as well as many scholars & officials from China and the USA for such an engaged and thoughtful discussion at a consequential moment in world affairs. #USChina #Multilateralism #GlobalGovernance #TsinghuaUniversity #SchwarzmanCollege #UnitedNations #GlobalSouth #Diplomacy #InternationalRelations

Celebrating a Timeless Legacy ✨🇮🇳🎶 Remembering #Gurudev and paying homage 🙏🏼💐 ➡️ On #RabindranathTagoreJayanti, celebrating Gurudev’s 165th birth anniversary, Consul General @PratikMathur1 led the #Indian community in paying homage to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore in #Shanghai, a city which Gurudev visited thrice (first in 1924 and twice in 1929) and where his rich legacy endures. ➡️ Paying floral tributes at Tagore bust at the famous #Maoming street in the historic #FrenchConcession area (near one of the locations where Tagore stayed with noted Chinese writer Xu ZHIMO) and garlanding the renowned #Tagore statue in the Lu Xun public park, where Gurudev as the first Nobel Laureate from Asia (only non European literary figure alongside Shakespeare, Balzac, Tolstoy and Gorky represented in the cultural landmark) is still a living #culturalbridge. ➡️ Consul General highlighted the significance of strengthening of people to people exchanges, for as Gurudev said, “Where is the mind is without fear and the head is held high…”. @meaindia @indiandiplomacy @indiandiplomats @EOIBeijing

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗰𝘆, few journeys capture the complexity of leadership in today’s world as powerfully as that of @sidchat1. In this deeply compelling conversation on the 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗲𝗥𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, the 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 shares a story that is as extraordinary as it is instructive. From his early days as an officer in the 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 to leading some of the @UN’s 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 across 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐧, 𝐈𝐫𝐚𝐪, 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚, his journey reveals what it truly means to lead in times of uncertainty. At the heart of this conversation lies a defining question for our time: 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱? One of the most striking moments reflects on his role in the demobilisation of over 𝟯,𝟱𝟬𝟬 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘂𝗱𝗮𝗻, an operation carried out under the most challenging conditions. It is a powerful testament to the fact that 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗴𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲, 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. This is precisely what Global Neighbours stands for. In an increasingly polarised global landscape, dialogue is not optional. It is essential. Mr. Chatterjee’s experience embodies our mission to connect perspectives across Europe, Asia and beyond, transforming geopolitical complexity into opportunities for cooperation. 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: lnkd.in/dD5YDTKs #GlobalNeighbours #Dialogue #Leadership #Peacebuilding

Today May 01, 2026 has a very special meaning. Some journeys take a lifetime to complete. Today, one of mine did. 🌏 I am deeply honoured to have been appointed as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Tsinghua University 🇨🇳 — one of the world’s 🌍 great institutions, and a living symbol of China’s extraordinary rise. This one is personal. I was born in Chinatown, Calcutta 🇮🇳 . China was the first foreign country I ever truly knew — not from a distance, but from within. Decades later, life brought me back as the senior-most United Nations 🇺🇳 representative in China.  And today, it has brought me Tsinghua University — a community of scholars and leaders dedicated to the questions that matter most. For me, as CEO of Global Neighbours — a think tank built on the conviction that Europe and Asia must understand each other far better than they do — an affiliation with an institution of Tsinghua’s calibre is not just an honour. It is an absolute privilege. It deepens our work, sharpens our thinking, and connects us to the brightest minds grappling with the world’s 🌎 hardest problems. The great challenges of our time — climate change, inequality, artificial intelligence, the future of multilateralism — demand exactly the kind of rigorous, interdisciplinary thinking this university embodies. I look forward to contributing to that mission. Beginning May 2026, I will be teaching China 🇨🇳 and the World 🌎 at Schwarzman College at Tsinghua — engaging the next generation of global leaders on the defining questions of our shared future. 🌍 My heartfelt gratitude to Professor Yang Bin, Vice Chairperson of the Tsinghua University Council, for presenting the appointment letter; to Professor Zhu Xufeng, Dean of Tsinghua SPPM, for his warm introduction; to Professor Qian Xiaojun, Chief Academic Officer of Schwarzman College, for her generous remarks; to Dr. Joan Kaufman, Senior Director of the Schwarzman Scholars Program; and to all the dear friends and colleagues who made this ceremony so gracious and memorable. 🙏 @Tsinghua_Uni @Global_Neighbrs #TsinghuaUniversity #SchwarzmanCollege #DistinguishedVisitingProfessor #ChinaAndTheWorld #SPPM #GlobalNeighbours #GlobalLeadership

@Awalekullane Best of luck @Awalekullane

I am running for the Presidency of Galmudug. I bring decades of experience in public service, diplomacy, and leadership, not as credentials but as a record of responsibility and a commitment to deliver results for the people of Galmudug. The challenges facing our state are real, urgent, and well documented. Galmudug cannot afford another period of drift. It requires decisive, experienced leadership now. My priorities are grounded in what Galmudug needs most: * Rule of Law and Judicial Reform * Security and Reconciliation *Governance and Revenue Building * Youth, Education, and Employment Leadership is not a title. It is a contract to listen, to act, and to deliver. Galmudug’s moment is now. I am ready to serve. #Galmudug2026 #AwaleAliKullane #Galmudug #Somalia #Leadership #RuleOfLaw #Governance #YouthEmpowerment

𝗔𝗧 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 Global Neighbours was honoured to participate in the 2026 AT ONE IMPACT WEEK in Suzhou 🇨🇳, a global platform convening leaders across policy, academia, and business to advance dialogue on sustainable development. Our CEO, @sidchat1, contributed to the programme with a keynote intervention, joining leading voices including Dr. @ChavalitTsao, Professor Jun Zhang, and Professor Jeffrey Sachs. The forum also brought together distinguished international figures, including Ms. Irina Bokova, former Director-General of @UNESCO, and Ambassador @AmbRycroft, UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Under the theme “The Eastern Path to Sustainable Development,” discussions reinforced a clear priority: advancing green growth and effective multilateralism requires stronger cooperation between East and West. At Global Neighbours, this is central to our mission — and with Tracks to the Future launching in October 2026, we are translating dialogue into action across the modern Silk Road. 🌏 #GlobalNeighbours #TracksToTheFuture #AtOneImpactWeek #EuropeAsia #SustainableDevelopment

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭, 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. Our CEO @sidchat1 addressed a distinguished cohort of healthcare executives, clinicians, and professors from China’s healthcare system, convened by @hkust as part of its Global Public Health Talent Program. In his address, he set out the 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 defining China’s health trajectory: the rise of non-communicable diseases, rapid demographic ageing, and the structural shift from treatment to prevention. He highlighted four priorities: • 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 as a concrete channel for cooperation in an increasingly fragmented global environment. • The central role of the @WHO, underscoring that effective multilateralism is indispensable to address the global NCD burden. • China’s opportunity to lead through the “Health Silk Road” and South-South cooperation, drawing on its experience in poverty alleviation and health system development. • The need to anchor public policy in a culture of prevention, with individual resilience at its core. We thank the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, and @hkust for convening this high-level exchange. Health remains a global public good and a vital platform for cooperation across Europe, Asia, and beyond. #GlobalHealth #HealthDiplomacy #GlobalCooperation #EuropeAsia

@AmaSande @KittyvdHeijden @UNICEFEducation @UNICEF_ESARO @UnicefWest @UNICEF_EAPRO @GillesFagninou @G_LaryeaAdjei @UNinChina @SWJacksonUN @UNICEF_AUOffice @AUMission_China Important milestones @AmaSande. Bravo 👏.

Excited about the agreement signed by DED @KittyvdHeijden & Vice Minister Du Jiangfeng today. It contributes to the #FOCAC Action Plan & aligns with UNICEF’s Africa Strategy to equip youth in 15 African countries with market-relevant vocational skills for jobs & livelihoods.

Thirty years at the United Nations 🇺🇳 spanning South Sudan 🇸🇸, Somalia 🇸🇴, Iraq 🇮🇶 Sudan 🇸🇩 and Bosnia and Herzegovina.🇧🇦 I have held the hands of children who had seen things no human being should ever see. I have watched UNICEF 🇺🇳 staff move toward danger — quietly, without fanfare — to reach those same children. So when I sat down with Ms. Judy Chen, Chairwoman of the Hong Kong 🇭🇰🇨🇳 Committee for UNICEF, and her exceptional team, I did not come as a stranger to this cause. I came as someone who has seen what is at stake. Our conversation kept returning to a truth that is both simple and devastating: conflict does not just claim lives — it steals childhoods. Every day, in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, the DRC, and too many other places, children are robbed of safety, of learning, of the irreplaceable right simply to be young. UNICEF HK 🇭🇰 🇨🇳 has been answering that call since 1986 — mobilising public support, forging corporate partnerships, and championing children’s children 👧🏻 👶🏼 rights in Hong Kong and far beyond. What Judy and her team do is not loud or celebrated. It is steady, determined, and absolutely vital. For those of us who have served in conflict zones, the urgency of this work is not a policy position. It is the faces of children we carry with us — long after the missions end. Thank you, Judy 🙏. For the conversation. For the commitment. And for never looking away. #Children #UNICEF #HumanitarianAction #ChildrensRights #HongKong #GlobalNeighbours

I was honored to address an exceptional cohort of healthcare executives, clinicians, and professors from China’s healthcare system 🇨🇳 this week. Hosted by @hkust , this 3-month Global 🌎 Public Health Talent Program is a vital step in preparing China’s future leaders for the international stage. Our dialogue centered on the "Triple Transition" facing China: the rise of chronic diseases, a rapidly aging demographic, and the urgent need to pivot from a culture of treatment to a ‘culture of prevention.’ Key reflections from our session: 1. The Power of Health Diplomacy: In an increasingly fragmented and polarized world, public health remains a universal language. It is one of the few remaining bridges that can foster global peace and harmony. 2. The Centrality of the WHO 🇺🇳: As we navigate global health security, a strong, effective, and well-supported World Health Organization (WHO) is indispensable. Multi-lateralism is not an option; it is a necessity for tackling the NCD (Non-Communicable Disease) burden that threatens both China and the global economy. 3. China’s Global Role: With its vast experience in poverty alleviation and health infrastructure, China has a unique opportunity to lead through the "Health Silk Road" and South-South cooperation, sharing lessons that can transform health outcomes across developing nations. 4. A Culture of Prevention: We discussed how individual resilience—body, mind, and spirit—must become the bedrock of public policy. To lead globally, we must first model health locally. Thank you 🙏 to the National Health Commission of China 🇨🇳. The Hong Kong Jockey Club and HKUST for convening this meaningful dialogue. The future of global health depends on the leadership and integrity of the professionals in this room. Together, let us move toward a "One Earth" 🌍 vision where health is recognized as the ultimate global public good. #GlobalHealth #HealthDiplomacy #China #WHO #PublicHealth #OneEarth #NHC #HKUST #Leadership #PreventionFirst #Multilateralism #GlobalNeighbours