At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Chinese premier Li Qiang reflected on eight decades of the UN’s founding ideals and the hard–won peace that followed World War II. Standing amid 190 flags fluttering in New York, he reminded the world why multilateral cooperation matters now more than ever.
Key takeaways from Li’s address:
- Peace & Security: Li urged respect for every nation’s security concerns, noting China is the second-largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget and the top provider of peacekeepers among Security Council permanent members.
- Inclusive Development: He highlighted that China has driven roughly 30 percent of global economic growth in recent years, lowered its average tariff rate to 7.3 percent, and deepened high-quality Belt and Road partnerships with over 150 countries.
- Cultural Exchange: Stressing mutual learning, Li announced plans for 50 development cooperation programs and 200 thematic training seminars to foster dialogue among civilizations.
- Global Challenges: On climate and technology, he pointed to China’s world-leading renewable energy capacity, 2035 climate targets, Global AI Governance Initiative, and shared lunar samples from Chang’e-6 for scientific cooperation.
Looking ahead, Li Qiang outlined concrete steps: a $10 million China-UN Global South–South Development Facility, a new sustainable development center in Shanghai, and stronger support for UN reforms that amplify the voices of developing members.
For young professionals, entrepreneurs, activists, and travelers tuned in across the G20, Li’s speech is a roadmap for a more cooperative world. As we navigate fresh challenges—from health crises to digital transformation—his message is clear: unity and shared action remain our strongest tools for building a better future.
Reference(s):
Full text: Address by Chinese premier at UN General Assembly
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