China’s Ambassador to the United Nations headquarters in New York City, Fu Cong, argued on Oct. 26 that the only way to protect all children around the world is to bring peace to the world’s war zones and secure development in all countries.

“Development is the fundamental solution to the root causes of conflict,” he asserted. “We need to support the governments of the countries concerned in guaranteeing basic needs such as food, education, healthcare, and employment, and in improving the environment for children’s growth and development, so that children can break free from the shadow of war and the cycle of violence.”

Cong was addressing a UN Security Council Briefing on Children and Armed Conflict. He pointed out that 30 years ago, the UN General Assembly had adopted a resolution recommending that the UN Secretary-General appoint a Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. That was done, and over those past 30 years, the UN has established and improved child protection mechanisms, yet the number of children affected by conflict in 2025 hit a record high for that period.