Vice-Premier Liu Yandong highlighted the significance of child development in promoting social equality and eliminating poverty on Oct 21.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Fourth International Conference on Poverty Reduction and Child Development, Liu said China has been committed, and remains determined, to creating the conditions for better development of children.

As a result, the health of Chinese children has been improving and they have been offered equal access to educational opportunities, she said.

China has coordinated child development with poverty reduction, she said, by issuing a development plan for children in poorer areas, implementing major engineering projects, improving access to assistance, and introducing special policies on health and education.

China will continue to have child development as a top priority of its strategy, and explore a path of child development that conforms to the country’s situation, she said.

China will also deepen communication and conduct joint research with other countries concerning issues of child development.

More than 600 representatives from 34 countries and over 20 international organizations attended the conference.