Beijing Hosts the 13th World Peace Forum to Promote Global Responsibility for Peace

The 13th World Peace Forum: A Call for Global Collaboration

From July 2 to 4, 2025, Beijing was the epicenter of discussions focused on global peace, hosting the 13th World Peace Forum. This influential gathering brought together diplomats, scholars, and policymakers from more than 80 countries, reflecting its importance as one of the foremost platforms for international security dialogue. Organized jointly by Tsinghua University and the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, the forum aptly addressed the theme: "Advancing Global Peace and Prosperity: Shared Responsibility, Benefit, and Achievement."

Purpose and Significance

At the forum’s opening ceremony held at Tsinghua University, key figures emphasized the necessity of cooperation in navigating the complex landscape of global challenges. Notably, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng called upon the international community to collectively uphold fairness and justice while improving global governance systems. He presented four proposals:

1. Reflect on History: Safeguarding the post-war international order while ensuring fairness and justice globally.
2. Promote Solidarity: Encouraging cooperation among nations to enhance global governance.
3. Drive Prosperity: Fostering openness and partnerships to accelerate global economic development.
4. Aim for Modernization: Uniting in efforts towards modernization across the globe.

These propositions serve as a compass for international relationships in an era marked by shifting powers and emerging challenges, including technological advancements and geopolitical tensions.

Diverse Participation

The forum attracted over 400 participants, including former heads of state, distinguished scholars, and diplomatic envoys to China, thus creating a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences. Among the notable attendees was former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, former Belgian Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy, and a host of experts specializing in international relations who contributed to the dialogue.

The event featured four plenary sessions alongside 18 panel discussions that dealt with crucial themes such as the stability of the international economic order and the influence of the Global South. Not only did the attendees deliberate on customary security threats, but they also tackled the risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence in armed conflict. This focus on contemporary issues underscores the Forum's commitment to addressing both traditional and emerging security dilemmas.

Media Coverage and Global Engagement

The significance of the World Peace Forum went beyond its discussions, drawing substantial media attention with more than 200 journalists from over 80 national and international news outlets in attendance. This wide-reaching coverage showcases the event's role as a key platform for constructive dialogue aimed at fostering peace, stability, and sustainable development efforts worldwide.

By actively engaging in meaningful conversations about shared responsibilities, the forum highlights the critical importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing current global challenges. As nations confront shifting dynamics in power and influence, platforms like the World Peace Forum serve as vital arenas for cultivating mutual understanding and collective action.

Looking ahead, the outcomes of this year's forum are expected to spur ongoing dialogue between nations and foster a renewed commitment to collaborative efforts in pursuit of a more peaceful world. The emphasis on shared responsibility resonates deeply, reminding us that the goal of global peace is a collective endeavor that necessitates ongoing participation from all nations.

In conclusion, the 13th World Peace Forum in Beijing serves as a transformative meeting point for decision-makers worldwide, reinforcing the idea that through shared commitment, we can build a future that prioritizes harmony, equity, and prosperity for all.