Khalid Malik, United Nations Resident Co-coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in China highlights China's effort in assisting Haiti in the post quake relief work. [Maverick Chen / China.org.cn]

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) China held an emergency briefing session February 2 in launching an emphatic appeal to Chinese civil society and the private sector to join the disaster relief work in Haiti due to the devastating earthquake that struck on January 12.

Globally, UNDP is calling for US$35.6 million for immediate recovery assistance, part of a wider UN appeal for US$575 million. The UNDP funds are being used for immediate recovery priorities, including temporary shelter, debris clearance, rehabilitation of basic infrastructure, and cash-for-work reconstruction activities.

Khalid Malik, United Nations Resident Co-coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in China highlighted China's recent experience with the Sichuan earthquake, highlighting that China is experienced in dealing with post quake relief earthquake because of the Sichuan quake in May 2008 and can "provide leadership and guidance for the international community in responding to the current crisis in Haiti."

The Chinese government has already provided US$5.4 million-worth of support to Haiti including medicine, food, shelter and other urgently needed supplies. Additionally, the Ministry of Commerce recently gave US$2.6 million to the UN Flash Appeal.

The panel stressed the particular importance of engaging the private sector in recovery and reconstruction efforts going forward. "The generous contributions of the private sector to the quake-affected communities in Sichuan set an example for what must be carried out in Haiti. The resources and capacities of the private sector are absolutely critical in relief and reconstruction efforts of this magnitude," said Malik.

Malik also thanked the Chinese government for its immediate response and generous support to Haiti especially as there's no formal diplomatic relationship between the two countries.