Strengthening Women and Children's Welfare: China and South Korea's Collaborative Efforts
In a significant move towards the betterment of women and children, China and South Korea are strengthening their collaborative exchange programs. A recent tea discussion between Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Kim Hea Kyung, the wife of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, highlighted the importance of interpersonal connections and mutual concerns regarding the development of women and children. During their meeting, Peng emphasized the need for close ties in enhancing bilateral relations, expressing hope that increased interactions would foster greater understanding between the two nations. Kim praised Peng's long-standing dedication to improving the situation of women and children, showing her eagerness to further invigorate bilateral cooperation in this crucial area. Alongside their personal discussions, both nations took formal steps to bolster cooperation on children's rights. On the same day, China and South Korea signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at protecting children's rights and promoting their welfare. The agreement, which supports future collaboration through policy dialogues, personnel exchanges, and targeted capacity-building initiatives, marks a pivotal step in their ongoing partnership.
The commitment of China towards women's and children's welfare has been a long-standing focus for Peng Liyuan. She was appointed as a UNESCO Special Envoy for Girls' and Women's Education in 2014, recognition of her efforts to empower girls and women through quality education. Furthermore, in 2023, she was instrumental in launching the 'Warm the Hearts of Children' initiative in collaboration with the Organization of African First Ladies for Development, addressing children's medical needs in over 50 African nations.
China has positioned itself as a leader in promoting women's and children's development globally. It ranks among the top nations on key maternal and child health indicators, such as maternal mortality rates and infant mortality rates, according to the World Health Organization. On the international stage, during the Women's World Summit held in Beijing in October 2025, President Xi announced several new initiatives to support women's development worldwide. Over the next five years, China will allocate an additional $10 million to UN Women and invest $100 million through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund to implement projects focused on women's and girls' development in collaboration with international organizations. Additionally, the initiative includes support for 1,000 'small and beautiful' projects aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of women and girls. To further strengthen ties, President Xi announced an invitation for 50,000 women to participate in exchange and training programs, alongside the establishment of a Global Women's Capacity Building Center.
China's initiatives have gained international recognition. UNICEF's representative in China, Amakobe Sande, commended the remarkable progress made by China in improving children's welfare in Global South countries through numerous development cooperation programs. Gertrude Mongella, the secretary-general of the Fourth World Conference on Women, stated that China is an essential participant and co-creator of global women's development efforts through its pragmatic and results-oriented partnerships. As these two nations enhance their collaborative efforts, they set a commendable standard for international cooperation in the welfare of women and children, reaffirming their commitment to improving lives across borders.
The commitment of China towards women's and children's welfare has been a long-standing focus for Peng Liyuan. She was appointed as a UNESCO Special Envoy for Girls' and Women's Education in 2014, recognition of her efforts to empower girls and women through quality education. Furthermore, in 2023, she was instrumental in launching the 'Warm the Hearts of Children' initiative in collaboration with the Organization of African First Ladies for Development, addressing children's medical needs in over 50 African nations.
China has positioned itself as a leader in promoting women's and children's development globally. It ranks among the top nations on key maternal and child health indicators, such as maternal mortality rates and infant mortality rates, according to the World Health Organization. On the international stage, during the Women's World Summit held in Beijing in October 2025, President Xi announced several new initiatives to support women's development worldwide. Over the next five years, China will allocate an additional $10 million to UN Women and invest $100 million through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund to implement projects focused on women's and girls' development in collaboration with international organizations. Additionally, the initiative includes support for 1,000 'small and beautiful' projects aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of women and girls. To further strengthen ties, President Xi announced an invitation for 50,000 women to participate in exchange and training programs, alongside the establishment of a Global Women's Capacity Building Center.
China's initiatives have gained international recognition. UNICEF's representative in China, Amakobe Sande, commended the remarkable progress made by China in improving children's welfare in Global South countries through numerous development cooperation programs. Gertrude Mongella, the secretary-general of the Fourth World Conference on Women, stated that China is an essential participant and co-creator of global women's development efforts through its pragmatic and results-oriented partnerships. As these two nations enhance their collaborative efforts, they set a commendable standard for international cooperation in the welfare of women and children, reaffirming their commitment to improving lives across borders.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.