Xi: Cooperation vital for global governance reform

President Xi Jinping has called for joint efforts to implement the Global Governance Initiative and build a more just and equitable global governance system, as well as a better world, bringing greater certainty and positive energy to a world marked by turbulence and change.

He made the remarks in a congratulatory letter sent on Friday to the 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiong'an), which opened in the Xiong'an New Area, Hebei province, on the same day.

In his message, Xi said that changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world, while deficits in peace, development, security and governance continue to grow.

China stands ready to work with all parties to uphold a vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, strengthen confidence, pool strength and tackle challenges through cooperation, he said.

Xi called for efforts to advance the initiative's implementation and move together toward a community with a shared future for humanity.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi read out Xi's letter and delivered a keynote speech at the forum's opening ceremony. In his address, Wang announced a series of practical measures to advance global governance reform, including establishing a global governance research center to provide intellectual support for reform.

Wang said that China will release a progress report on its AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All. A position paper on strengthening outer space governance was released on Friday evening.

Other measures include a training program on economic, social and cultural rights to support capacity building in developing countries and promote the full and effective implementation of the agreement on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, known as the BBNJ Agreement.

Wang noted that the Global Governance Initiative has received support from more than 160 countries and international organizations, while over 60 countries have joined the Group of Friends of Global Governance. The GGI's core principles have been incorporated into documents of meetings of the Group of 20, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS.

Wang urged stronger collective action to implement the initiative, saying a multipolar world and greater democracy in international relations represent the direction of history.

He called for upholding the United Nations' central role and revitalizing it through reform, ensuring all countries can participate in global governance and share its benefits equally. Major countries should uphold equality, honor commitments, stand for justice and pursue cooperation, he said.

Wang urged a greater voice for the Global South, faster reform of the international financial system in line with agreed timetables, and increased representation for developing countries on the UN Security Council, prioritizing Africa's concerns.

He also called for safeguarding the multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization, promoting fair and open trade, and fully implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The deep sea, polar regions and outer space should be areas of cooperation rather than zero-sum competition, Wang said. He also urged an early, broadly agreed framework for artificial intelligence governance to keep the technology under human control and ensure it benefits the people.

Guillaume Moumouni, a Beninese associate professor at the School of Foreign Languages of Northwest University in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, said that unilateralism and continuing conflicts underscore the need for multilateral cooperation, particularly in the Global South.

China's approach emphasizes peace, respect for sovereignty, and seeking common ground while acknowledging differences, he said, adding that the nation plays an important role in representing the fundamental interests of the Global South.