The Government of the People’s Republic of China has provided $1 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in support of the Agency’s education program to ensure that school-age Palestine refugee children receive quality, equitable and comprehensive basic education.

UNRWA said in a statement today, Wednesday, that it will use this generous donation from the Government of China to ensure that approximately 5,300 male and female students receive basic education in five UNRWA schools in Gaza.

She indicated that over the decades, she was a pioneer in the field of education in emergencies, as she showed resilience and innovation in the face of conflict, occupation, siege, displacement, and, more recently, the global pandemic, and the UNRWA educational program has made great progress in ensuring that all students, regardless of gender, receive abilities, disabilities, socioeconomic status, health and psychosocial needs, have an equal opportunity to learn and support them to reach their full potential.

“For more than 70 years, UNRWA has played a vital and indispensable role in alleviating the humanitarian plight of Palestine refugees by providing them with essential relief and protection services,” said Ambassador Zeng Jixin, Head of the Office of the People's Republic of China to the State of Palestine.

He added, "China fully appreciates UNRWA's work and commends it greatly, and it has always provided assistance within its ability to support UNRWA in fulfilling the tasks of its mandate. This year, China donated $1 million to UNRWA, which is a concrete measure to implement President Xi Jinping's proposal, which consists of Three points to settle the Palestinian issue.

Jixin affirmed his country's readiness to work with the international community and make positive contributions to the early achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue and the achievement of lasting peace, global security and common prosperity in the Middle East.

Karim Amer, Director of Partnerships in the UNRWA External Relations and Communications Department, said: “The People’s Republic of China is a very valuable partner and growing donor to UNRWA, and thanks to the constant support of donors such as the Government of China, UNRWA is able to provide vital services to Palestine refugees across the Middle East.” in the face of continuing challenges.

Since making its first contribution to UNRWA in 1964, the People's Republic of China has provided financial and political support to UNRWA. In recognition of this important partnership, UNRWA is keen to strengthen its cooperation with China in providing assistance to millions of Palestine refugees in the region.