This week, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, nearly 40 UN member states came together at UN headquarters in New York to launch the Group of Friends of Global Governance.
The inaugural meeting was hosted by China’s Permanent Mission to the UN and chaired by Ambassador Fu Cong. This new platform builds on the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing sovereign equality, international law, multilateralism, development and practical cooperation.
“The Group of Friends is an important public good aimed at improving the global governance system,” Fu said. He added that China established the group to partner with other UN members on major governance challenges and to promote a fairer international order.
Representatives from regions across the globe voiced their support. Cuba welcomed the initiative as a way to democratize international relations; Burundi highlighted its potential to create a collective path for tackling global challenges; and Pakistan noted its relevance amid “multiple crises” and waning confidence in multilateralism.
Open to all UN member states, the group aims to deepen policy coordination, strengthen the UN’s central role and deliver concrete outcomes on development, peace and security. In a joint statement, members called the launch a “significant step” toward advancing the GGI and encouraged more countries to join.
Looking ahead, Fu reaffirmed China’s commitment to working with all nations through this inclusive platform to implement the GGI and drive improvements in global governance.
Reference(s):
China leads Group of Friends of Global Governance launch at UN
cgtn.com
