Illustration:Liu Rui/GT

Editor's Note:

In an era marked by "accelerating changes on a scale rarely seen in a century," it has become almost impossible not to ask: What is actually happening to the world? Last September, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, calling on countries to work in concert for a more just and equitable global governance system. Global governance - who governs, for whom, and how? During the book launch of Global Governance Initiative: Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity" (published in nine languages) and the inaugural meeting of the Global Governance Initiative International Research Network at Renmin University of China on Saturday, diplomats and scholars from both China and abroad shared their perspectives. The Global Times presents selected excerpts from the discussion.


Wu Hailong, president of China Public Diplomacy Association

In today's chaotic and disorderly world, where hegemonism and power politics run rampant and unchecked, humanity seems to be dangerously slipping back into a "survival of the fittest" world, governed by the "law of the jungle." The need to build a fair and just global governance system has never been more urgent and essential.

In the current global context, what should the focus of global governance be, and how should the world be governed? There are three key aspects that should be prioritized:

The international order must not be overturned, and international rules must not be discarded; the multilateral system must not be weakened, and the foundations of multilateralism must remain intact; the will for global governance must not wane, and actions must not be delayed.


Gao Fei, president of China Foreign Affairs University

If, after WWII, the US was to some extent a provider of international public goods, today it has become a rent-seeker in this very realm, steadily eroding the legitimacy of the international system and order. 

The current world is confronted with both a "vacuum of responsibility" and a "void in governance." This calls for countries around the world to work together to fill these gaps and achieve effective governance.

The GGI reflects China's commitment, particularly through the concept of "building a community with a shared future for humanity." It demonstrates that, in the face of unprecedented global shifts, China is willing to collaborate with other countries to jointly advance and improve global governance.


Li Xiangyang, a research fellow of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

Although multilateralism may not immediately yield results, what we need to focus on now is building an open economy. In economics, there is a principle: When regionalism is open, it becomes a stepping stone for multilateralism; conversely, if it is closed, it becomes a stumbling block to multilateralism.

The year of 2026 will be the third time China hosts the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. In today's world, where "anti-globalization" sentiments are rising, and various cooperation mechanisms are fragmenting, APEC will play a pivotal role in advancing cooperation in the region and, by extension, globally.

The concept of "building a community with a shared future for humanity" may seem like a distant goal, but in Chinese culture, its realization depends on the journey itself - each step toward the goal is an integral part of the ultimate vision. 


Muhammad Hasanein Khaddam, ambassador of Syria to China

The GGI identifies global challenges and proposes solutions through collective representation and real consensual multilateralism away from hegemony or minilateralism.

There is a Darwinian dynamic in international relations that compels everyone to adapt to changes in order to survive. Sustainability is not based on force, but rather on flexibility and adaptation to change according to the universal logic: "Only the right prevails." I expect many countries from the old North will work side by side with China.


Wang Yiwei, vice dean of the Academy of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Renmin University of China

The UN needs reform - specifically, how to more effectively enhance its efficiency, legitimacy and authority?

At its core, the UN is an organization of sovereign nations. Sovereign states are equal in status, but profoundly unequal in capability. This capability gap leads to aggression, violations of international law and serious breaches of peace. It is therefore needed to advocate strengthening capability parity, enabling all countries to modernize together. 

The UN claims to stand for "unity," yet some countries are keen on forming small cliques and factions. What's the result? Even Europe is now demanding sovereign equality with the US over safeguarding Greenland's sovereignty. It is thus critical to prevent small blocs from supplanting or hollowing out the UN.

Global governance starts with sound domestic governance - certain countries should stop blaming others when their own house is in disarray. Then, the GGI extends to managing relations with neighbors and the world at large.