Dominica's ambassador praises China's poverty reduction leadership

By Xia Fangting and Huo Shuaihe

Dominica's ambassador to China called for stronger international cooperation to combat global poverty, citing China's modernization success as a model for other developing nations at a forum in southwest China.

"Poverty continues to be a global challenge that affects millions worldwide," said Martin Charles at the 2025 International Forum on Poverty Governance and Global Development (Nujiang Forum) in Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, on March 29. He called for practical coordination and strong political will from governments to address it.

Martin Charles, ambassador of Dominica to China, speaks at the 2025 International Forum on Poverty Governance and Global Development (Nujiang Forum) in Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, March 29, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Nujiang Forum]

Charles praised China's achievements over the past 40 years, saying the country has become a benchmark for other developing nations by eradicating extreme poverty and implementing modernization policies tailored to its unique characteristics.

"China has demonstrated that poverty alleviation requires true commitment to policies that place people at the center of development strategies," he said.

Charles pointed out that ending poverty is the first of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals and stressed the need for international cooperation to achieve these objectives.

"Among the main challenges we face in promoting modernization and rural development are social and economic inequality," Charles said, linking these challenges to historical factors and the flaws in the existing international order.

He also highlighted the importance of sharing experiences among countries, praising global initiatives proposed by China, including the Belt and Road Initiative, which has contributed to Dominica's comprehensive development plans.

"The modernization process offers opportunities to transform society, reduce gaps between rural and urban areas, create quality jobs, promote renewable energy, spread new technologies, and, above all, improve people's quality of life, bringing them happiness and enabling them to enjoy a bright and prosperous future,"Charles said.

The forum, themed "Together Promote Rural Revitalization and Common Development," featured panel discussions where participants shared strategies for tackling global poverty.