#United States #New York #Xi Jinping #United Nations #Global Governance Initiative

Revitalizing Multilateralism through Global Governance Initiative

On September 1, 2025, President Xi Jinping introduced the Global Governance Initiative during a summit that aimed to address pressing global issues. This initiative gained significant attention during a forum held at the United Nations to commemorate the organization’s 80th anniversary. With the participation of various global leaders and experts, attendees discussed its potential to breathe new life into multilateral efforts and enhance international cooperation.

At the forum, Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, highlighted the longstanding achievements of the United Nations in promoting peace, development, and human progress. However, he noted the prevailing challenges that threaten the integrity of multilateralism today—specifically the underrepresentation of the Global South, diminished authority of multilateral agreements, and a collective inability to tackle global challenges effectively.

Fu emphasized that the Global Governance Initiative brings forth essential principles of sovereign equality, international rule of law, and a people-centered approach, which resonate with the objectives outlined in the UN Charter. He pointed out UN Secretary-General António Guterres' support for this initiative emphasizing the critical role multilateralism plays in forming an orderly international system.

Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, reiterated that the initiative marks a continual effort by China to bolster the foundational principles of the UN charter amid a backdrop of growing unilateralism. He articulated that this initiative serves to provide Chinese perspectives on ensuring a robust global governance framework at a time rife with challenges stemming from unilateral actions and power politics.

In recent years, the international community has faced a myriad of pressures ranging from conflicts and climate disasters to increasing inequalities and health crises. During the forum, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua, outlined how the Global Governance Initiative creates a timely blueprint for necessitating increased cooperation among global entities to address these threats.

Economist Jeffrey Sachs, lauded the initiative for potentially revitalizing the UN’s mission, calling for greater unity among the world's major powers—namely the US, China, and Russia. He criticized current divisions and expressed hope that China could lead discussions on sustainable development and climate change solutions.

Former Singaporean ambassador to the UN, Kishore Mahbubani, voiced support for the initiative, labeling it a timely proposal as the UN approaches its 80th year. Mahbubani argued against reinventing the wheel, urging instead for enhanced use of existing institutions to facilitate pragmatic solutions to global issues.

Additionally, Nell Chennault Calloway, president of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, reminisced about how the UN was established as an emblem of nations striving for equality and peace through dialogue. Highlighting current global conflicts, she underscored the necessity of a long-term commitment to diplomacy over rivalry.

The contributions of China to peacekeeping and medical assistance in Africa were commended by Albadawe Abdalla, who underlined the importance of peace as a precursor to stability and effective governance.

Bosnian diplomat Zlatko Lagumdzija stated that the Global Governance Initiative encapsulates vital steps that nations should undertake in navigating the complexities of modern international relations. He noted that the initiative provides actionable insights and encourages nations to unite under a common mission.

As discussions about this initiative continue, participants from diverse backgrounds in the fields of politics, business, and academia engaged throughout the forum, highlighting the urgency of collaborative efforts in addressing the world's most pressing challenges. The event attracted diplomats and experts from around the globe, reaffirming the need for a concerted effort to enhance global governance and multilateral cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.