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© Photo courtesy of Beijing Youth Weekly Dr. Yin Yin Nwe, UNICEF Representative to China, appeals for united efforts to create a better world for children after receiving the "public welfare award" from Beijing Youth Weekly at a grand ceremony held in Beijing.

BEIJING, 22 December 2008 - Beijing Youth Weekly presented UNICEF China the "public welfare award" of 2008 for its special contribution in promoting the cause of children for 29 years in China. UNICEF's Sichuan Earthquake response was recognized at the star-studded award ceremony held today in Beijing.

Dr. Yin Yin Nwe, UNICEF China Representative, received the "BQ Billboard 2008" Philanthropy Award. Dr. Nwe expressed her appreciation for the recognition of UNICEF's work in China and thanked the Government of China for its excellent partnership in the service of China's children.

"Everyone, including media, the private sector, civil society, artists and celebrities, should join in creating a better world for girls and for boys. Let us all Unite for Children!" Dr. Nwe appealed.

UNICEF's three decades of close cooperation with the Government of China to help nurture the healthy growth and development of every child were highlighted at the award ceremony. "They [UNICEF] are everywhere, from Water, Environment and Sanitation, to Child Protection, to AIDS prevention. After the earthquake, they responded quickly and have provided more than 17 million US dollars in aid and technical support. This award therefore is presented to UNICEF China for their outstanding contributions." Beijing Youth Weekly said at the event.

Beijing Youth Weekly is a culture and lifestyle magazine published by the Beijing Youth Daily Media Group, with a weekly circulation of 200,000 in major urban areas throughout China. Beijing Youth Weekly has released its honours for the year's most popular people, companies and organizations in the fields of fashion, entertainment, art, and public welfare since 2006. All of the winners are selected by on-line votes. The BQ Billboard Awards have become one of the leading award ceremonies in China.

© Photo courtesy of Beijing Youth Weekly China's pop icon singer Li Yuchun, also M.A.C. AIDS Fund Ambassador for China, receives the Most Popular Female Singer of the Year Award from Beijing Youth Weekly. Li has lent her star power to UNICEF China to raise HIV/AIDS awareness among young people.

About UNICEF in China:
UNICEF first assisted China between 1947 and 1951, providing emergency services, food and nutrition, health and hygiene training during and after the Revolutionary War. In 1979 UNICEF officially commenced its cooperation with the Government of China to support child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. 

For further information, please contact:
Dale Rutstein, UNICEF China, +8610 65323131, drutstein@unicef.org