On the afternoon of December 5th, the first plenary meeting of the Coordination Committee for the Belt and Road Innovation and Development Platform (hereinafter referred to as the “Innovation and Development Platform”) was held in Beijing in a hybrid online and offline modality.
The meeting recalled the fruitful resultsdelivered in the past cooperation between the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The meeting recognized the efforts made by theInnovation and Development Center for BRI (the Center) with the strong support from NDRC and UNDP since its inception in exploring cooperation in four areas, includinginnovative research, project advisory, capacity building, and partnerships.
Duringthe meeting, NDRC and CDB emphasized that the Center should take the opportunity of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation,and adhere to high-level planning, high-standard positioning, high-quality implementation, and high-efficiency execution. With the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative as entry points, the Center should make full use of the advantages of the three parties, strengthen cooperation with key stakeholders, and promote the implementation of major projects. The Center should actively participate in the global economic governance system reform and leverage the synergies between the BRI and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The meeting reviewed the Terms of Reference for the Belt and Road Innovation and Development Platform Coordination Committee and the 2023 Annual Work Plan and Budget of the Innovation and Development Center for BRI, and authorized the Center to establish an expert group and a work report mechanism.
