A panel discussion on global governance issues at the Global Governance Forum at Renmin University of China in Beijing on January 24 (COURTESY PHOTO) 

As the world faces mounting challenges from unilateralism and power politics, building a fair and reasonable global governance system has become more urgent than ever, experts and scholars said at the Global Governance Forum in Beijing on January 24. 

Hosted by Renmin University of China (RUC), the forum brought together diplomats, representatives of international organizations and scholars to exchange views on strengthening global governance.   

Amid rising global disorder, the resurgence of hegemonism and coercive power politics risks pushing humanity back toward the “law of the jungle,” where might makes right. Under such circumstances, the international community must define priorities for global governance, said Wu Hailong, President of China Public Diplomacy Association, said at the forum.   

“The international order must not be overturned, international rules must not be discarded, multilateral systems must not be weakened, and the willingness to address global challenges must not decline, nor should action be delayed,” Wu said.    

Syrian Ambassador to China Muhammad Hasanein Khaddam said that over the past three decades, exclusionary hegemonic thinking has deeply disappointed people around the world. Beyond natural and developmental challenges, he said, man-made factors have further intensified global instability.    

In contrast, China-proposed global initiatives reflect the common interests of humanity. Francisco César, minister-counselor of the Embassy of Venezuela in China, said that China’s Global Governance Initiative advocates for an inclusive, resilient, and consensus-oriented global governance system, an approach that aligns with the expectations of the vast majority of countries.     

He stressed that safeguarding the authority of the United Nations and the UN Charter, advancing the democratization of international decision-making, and strengthening practical development cooperation among countries are among the most pressing tasks ahead. China, he added, has set a positive example for the international community in these areas.   

The forum also released the world’s first academic work to systematically elaborate on the Global Governance Initiative, Global Governance Initiative: Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity. The book, compiled by RUC, was published in nine languages, including Chinese, English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, German, Japanese and Portuguese. 

In addition, the Global Governance Initiative International Research Network was officially established at the forum. To date, more than 100 experts and scholars from nearly 50 countries and regions have joined the network. 

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson  

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