At the invitation of China NGO Network for International Exchanges, Wook-Jin Chang (South Korean), Chief of the NGO Branch at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), recently paid visits to Beijing social organizations in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (hereinafter referred to as "consultative status") for discussions and exchanges. During the visit, he conducted field research on the protection of the rights and interests of vulnerable groups, as well as the inheritance and protection of fine traditional Chinese culture.

At the Care Home of Beijing Chunhui Children's Foundation, the delegation was informed of the comprehensive medical and rehabilitation services provided for orphaned and disabled children with complex and severe diseases, and had the opportunity to interact with the children there. Wook-Jin Chang said that he was deeply moved by what he had seen at the Care Home, where orphaned and disabled children are well looked-after, and that such practices should be widely promoted and shared, especially by the United Nations. He also expressed the hope that social organizations with consultative status, such as Chunhui Children's Foundation, will play a more active role.

In the He Art Museum, the delegation appreciated Chinese calligraphy, painting, and intangible cultural heritage items, and gained hands-on experience of "Enamel Filling", a Cloisonne technique. Impressed by the traditional Chinese culture and humanistic spirit embedded in the artworks, Wook-Jin Chang said that he would strongly recommend them to the United Nations and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in China.

Further information: Consultative status represents recognition of NGOs' efforts by the United Nations, conferring on NGOs the right to participate in UN-related affairs. Social organizations in Beijing have actively applied for consultative status, with Beijing Crafts Council and Chunhui Children's Foundation succeeding in 2019 and 2020 respectively. To date, Beijing has 24 social organizations with consultative status, ranking first in China. These organizations engage in foreign exchanges by various means, voicing their opinions on international occasions, so as to serve China’s overall diplomacy and strengthen Beijing's role as a center for international exchanges.