President, 

China welcomes Russia's initiative to convene this open debate, and thanks Secretary-General António Guterres for his briefing. On the UN Day and the 80th anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter, it is of great significance for us to reflect upon history, take stock of lessons learned, and chart the course for the future. 

80 years ago, humanity emerged from the ruins of World War II, and, aspiring to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, came together to establish the United Nations (UN). This was a significant collective decision by the international community, marking the beginning of a new chapter in human history. 

Over the past eight decades, the UN membership has expanded from 51 to 193, making it the most universal, representative, and authoritative intergovernmental organization. Multilateralism has enjoyed broad consensus, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter have been widely embraced. The UN has made indelible contributions to world peace and development. 

Today, 80 years later, the ideals envisioned in the UN Charter remain unfulfilled. The world has found itself in a new period of turbulence and transformation. A multitude of global challenges have come thick and fast. The global governance system is under severe strain. And the UN has come to a crossroads where much is at stake. 

At this defining moment, President Xi Jinping solemnly put forward the Global Governance Initiative, a profound answer to the major questions of our times: what kind of global governance system to build and how to reform and improve global governance. It presents China's solution to how to address the widening global governance deficit and advance the establishment of a more just and equitable global governance system. 

First, we should adhere to sovereign equality. The sovereignty and dignity of all nations, regardless of size, strength, and wealth, should be equally respected, and all countries are equal participants, decision-makers, and beneficiaries in global governance. 

Second, we should abide by the international rule of law. We must firmly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, ensure the equal and uniform application of international law and rules, formulate rules for emerging fields based on broad consensus, and promote good governance through a sound legal framework. 

Third, we should practice multilateralism. We should promote greater solidarity to break down small cliques. Global affairs should be managed through extensive consultation. The governance system should be jointly built and its benefits shared by all. 

Fourth, we should advocate the people-centered approach. We should reform and improve the global governance system to continuously provide people with confidence and stable expectations, as well as a growing sense of security, fulfillment, and happiness. 

Fifth, we should focus on taking real actions. We should concentrate on the pressing issues of the day, adopt a holistic and systematic approach, coordinate global actions, put forward pragmatic and effective solutions, and strive for more visible outcomes. 

President, 

The Global Governance Initiative is in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. It aims to foster closer solidarity and coordination within the international community and enable a more robust response to the challenges of our times. It provides important guidance for the future development of the UN. Looking ahead to the next 80 years, instead of just talking the talk, we must walk the walk and support the UN as it embarks on a new journey. 

We need to build a UN that safeguards peace and security. The UN should advocate the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, promote mutual respect for each other's legitimate security concerns, replace war and aggression with dialogue and consultation, and overcome bloc confrontation through solidarity and cooperation. The Security Council should make full use of the tools granted by the UN Charter and effectively fulfill its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. 

We need to build a UN that tackles challenges and difficulties. The UN should place development at the core of the international agenda, mobilize global resources, strengthen coordination, and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We should uphold principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and promote effective implementation of the Paris Agreement. We should adhere to a people-centered approach, promote technology for good, ensure fairness and inclusiveness, and support the UN in playing a central role in global governance of artificial intelligence. 

We need to build a UN that upholds fairness and justice. It is imperative to adhere to true multilateralism. The UN should remain the primary platform for the world to jointly formulate international rules, jointly govern global affairs, and jointly share the fruits of development. We must follow the historical trend of the collective rise of the Global South and enhance the voice and representation of developing countries, especially small- and medium-sized countries. 

We need to build a UN that is efficient, pragmatic, and authoritative. The UN should resolutely pursue self-reform, address outdated practices and entrenched problems, and adapt to the needs of the times. It must prioritize serving the interests of its member states, adhere to a problem-oriented approach, improve its working methods, and rigorously promote frugality. By genuinely enhancing its operational efficiency and capacity to fulfill its mandate, the UN can consolidate its standing and restore its authority through concrete achievements. 

President, 

The UN is at a new historical starting point. China stands ready to work with all countries to uphold the lofty ideals of the UN. Let us stand firm to safeguard the international system with the UN at its core, maintain international order based on international law, and defend the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Let us forge ahead to build a community with a shared future for humanity. 

Thank you.