Chinese FM calls for reforming and improving global governance at UN meeting

CGTN – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday called for reforming and improving global governance while attending a meeting of the Group of Friends of Global Governance at United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York.

In his keynote speech, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee said that reforming and improving global governance is a historic mission for this generation and that such a task demands strong conviction and unremitting efforts.

He called for efforts to advance UN reform to make the world body more efficient and the Security Council more authoritative and capable. He noted that the purpose of UN reform is to enhance the world body, not weaken it, and that UN reform should be led by member states and carried out in a fair, inclusive and transparent manner.

Wang stressed the importance of enhancing the voice of developing countries and small and medium-sized countries, particularly by addressing the historical injustice faced by Africa.

He also called for efforts to adapt UN peacekeeping operations to the demands of the times, build international consensus on accelerating development, steer global human rights governance in the right direction and deepen reform of the economic and financial system.

Wang also urged the establishment of rules for artificial intelligence governance, stronger governance in emerging domains such as cyberspace and outer space, and greater exchanges among civilizations.

He said the Group of Friends of Global Governance has served as a stabilizing factor and a force for justice in a turbulent world, and this mechanism should be further leveraged and strengthened. China will continue to uphold the banner of multilateralism and contribute to global governance through its own governance experience.

Foreign ministers and representatives from more than 60 countries, including Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Cuba and Zimbabwe, attended the meeting. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed briefed the participants.

According to Wang, the Group of Friends of Global Governance has reached consensus on five key points regarding global governance.

First, all members support the democratization of international relations, Wang said, noting that all countries, regardless of size, strength or wealth, have the right to choose their own social systems and development paths, and to participate, decide and benefit equally in global governance.

Second, all members call for upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, ensuring the equal application of international law and international rules, and opposing double standards and coercion, he said.

Third, all members support safeguarding the central role of the UN, practicing multilateralism, strengthening multilateral mechanisms, and opposing unilateralism and power politics, Wang said.

On the fourth point, Wang said all members support reforming and improving global governance and narrowing the North-South divide to ensure that all countries share the benefits of development and that no country is left behind.

Fifth, all members also call for addressing the most pressing challenges facing the international community through concrete actions and practical results to ensure global governance meets the needs of the times and the people, he added.

(With input from Xinhua)