About the Speaker
Mr Xia Cuntao is the National Lead for Youth Development and Child Poverty in Save the Children. Established in the United Kingdom in 1919, 'Save the Children' is an independent international children development organisation. It manages children welfare programmes on a non-political, non-religious, non-profit, and non-governmental basis. Nowadays, 'Save the Children' works in more than 120 countries, serving the poorest and most marginalised children worldwide. It is committed to saving children's lives, defending their rights and helping them realise their potential. As the National Lead for Youth Development and Child Poverty in the largest and most advanced global children’s charity, Mr Xia is responsible for the overall management of all youth development programmes across the country, including the introduction, design, review and allocation of government public welfare and corporate social responsibility projects.
Before working for 'Save the Children', Mr Xia was an International Technical Officer and National Project Consultant of the International Labor Organisation (ILO) in the United Nations at its Asia and Pacific Regional headquarters, global headquarters, and China and Mongolia country offices. During his tenure, he developed and participated in collaboration projects between the International Labor Organisation (ILO) of the United Nations and governments, providing professional support and framework design for employment projects in various countries.
He also wrote the official flagship report of the United Nations and cooperated with various ministries to carry out researches and policy consultations. Also, he planned the online and offline activities of the United Nations in Thailand and China, including United Nations Day, Gender Equality Film Festival, the World Day Against Child Labour and so on.
Mr Xia also serves as the Director of the China Association for Labour Studies and a Cooperative Expert of the Chinese Academy of Labour and Social Security under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. Furthermore, he is a member of SORSA. He holds a Bachelor of Economics from the Renmin University of China and a Master of International Banking and Finance from Durham University.