Your Excellency Director-General Tatiana Valovaya,
Your Excellency President Fu Hua of Xinhua News Agency,
Colleagues, friends,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this discussion on global governance. Geneva has long witnessed profound shifts in the international landscape and remains a true “Capital of Peace” and “Multilateral Hub.” Holding this Seminar here is both fitting and significant.

Eighty-one years ago, the United Nations was founded with the ideal of never again going to war. Since then, it has played an indispensable role in safeguarding peace and promoting human progress. Today, the trend of peace, development, cooperation, and win-win outcomes continues, yet challenges such as unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemony have reemerged. Certain countries’ unilateral actions—withdrawals from treaties, restrictions on supplies—have strained the multilateral order, bringing global governance to a new crossroads.

President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), offering China’s solution to strengthen international order and global governance. It does not seek to overturn the current system but to improve its enforcement and effectiveness, in line with the UN Charter and the expectations of the majority of countries. The GGI has already received support from over 150 countries and organizations. Yesterday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed the High-Level Segment of the 61st Session of the Human Rights Council, sharing views and suggestions on how to implement the GGI and improve global human rights governance, which was well received.

I would like to share a few thoughts on practicing multilateralism and reforming global governance.

First, uphold sovereign equality and promote shared participation. All countries, regardless of size or strength, have the right to participate, decide, and benefit equally. China advocates greater representation for the Global South, better cooperation platforms, and a larger role for developing countries, while firmly opposing hegemonism and monopolization of international affairs.

Second, abide by international law and safeguard fairness. China respects the UN Charter and international law, joining nearly all universal intergovernmental organizations and over 600 international conventions. Just last year, China initiated the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation, providing an important legal public good for settling disputes peacefully and improving global governance. In Geneva, we are willing to continue our deep involvement and promote important multilateral processes such as the negotiation of the annex of the WHO Pandemic Agreement and the Global Initiative on International Humanitarian Law. We will earnestly and fully fulfill our commitments while firmly resisting bullying practices like unilateral sanctions, “long-arm jurisdiction” and the arbitrary imposition of tariffs.

Third, practice multilateralism and promote cooperation. China rejects “small circles”, instead it upholds international solidarity. We believe, emerging fields—deep sea, polar regions, outer space, and cyberspace—should be new frontiers for cooperation. China’s International Lunar Research Station is open globally. Going forward, we will fully leverage Geneva’s advantage as a hub for international organizations, build platforms for dialogue and cooperation, and engage with all parties in advancing global governance in emerging fields.

Fourth, adopt a people-centered approach and ensure inclusive benefits. China adheres to high-level opening-up, and welcomes global participation in its development. In future WTO negotiations, we do not seek new special and differential treatment, and we have implemented zero-tariff measures for all 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China. We contribute tangible resources to the development and revitalization of the Global South, mobilizing over 23 billion US dollars in various development funds and carrying out more than 1,800 cooperation projects in the past four years. China works to enhance the sense of gain and happiness for the people, ensuring that the fruits of development are truly shared by all.

Fifth, be action-oriented and results-driven. China’s initiative to establish a “Group of Friends of the GGI” here in Geneva is about constructive discussions with all sides on issues with a unique “Geneva touch”, such as artificial intelligence, health, intellectual property, technology, and humanitarian affairs. This will enable us to continuously build consensus, coordinate positions, and become proactive problem-solvers. On February 27, we will launch the “Group of Friends of the GGI”. You are all welcome to join.

Colleagues, friends,

We may have different perspectives, but we share a vision of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous world. Guided by the GGI, China stands ready to strengthen coordination and communication to promote a more just and equitable global governance system.

I look forward to your insights and proposals. Thank you!