China hosts global forum to push for fairer world order
By Delaram Ahmadi
Staff writer
The Global Governance Forum opened in Xiongan, northern China, on Friday, bringing together international officials, experts and policymakers to discuss reforming global institutions and strengthening cooperation on shared challenges.
The three-day forum, running from October 23 to 25 in Hebei Province, has attracted more than 180 overseas guests from over 90 countries, alongside more than 180 Chinese participants. Its program includes 22 seminars across five thematic areas.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for stronger international governance of the deep sea, polar regions and outer space. He also said artificial intelligence should remain under human control and be used for the benefit of humanity.
Wang described the rise of the Global South as the most momentous shift the world has witnessed since World War II, calling for greater representation of developing countries in international affairs. He also reiterated the need to safeguard the multilateral trading system.
The gathering reflects China’s efforts to promote a more representative international order. President Xi Jinping introduced the forum last year as part of Beijing’s broader push for multilateralism and reform of global governance arrangements.
China proposed its Global Governance Initiative on September 1, 2025, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus meeting. The initiative rests on five principles: sovereign equality, the rule of law in international affairs, multilateralism, a people-centered approach and practical action.
Wu Ken, president of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, which organizes the forum, said the meeting aims to translate shared ideas into practical solutions and strengthen international cooperation.
Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said the forum offered an opportunity to find common ground as economic and technological developments create new challenges for international trade. He stressed that no country could address these issues alone or resolve them by unilaterally changing international economic rules.
China has also linked its governance initiative to international peace and security, emphasizing respect for national sovereignty, international law and dialogue. Beijing has called for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and supported diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
On technology, China advocates international cooperation to expand access to artificial intelligence and its benefits, while emphasizing digital sovereignty and countries’ rights to pursue their own development.
The forum is also intended to showcase Xiongan’s experience in urban planning and governance and promote exchanges between Chinese and international
participants.