October 24 marks 80 years since the UN Charter set the stage for a new era of global cooperation. On the sidelines of the SCO Summit 2025 in Tianjin, CMG’s Wang Guan sat down with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in our special edition of Leaders Talk. Against the backdrop of hopeful skylines, Guterres reflected on the UN’s founding mission and charted a path for the next eight decades.
“The devastation of World War II showed why nations must stand together,” Guterres said. “From 1945 to today, the UN has grown from an idea into an essential forum for peace, human rights and sustainable development.”
Data point: Since its launch, the UN has expanded to 193 member states and overseen key milestones—from peacekeeping missions in Africa to global climate agreements that span the globe.
China’s WWII Legacy and a New Initiative
Guterres highlighted China’s pivotal role in World War II: “The Chinese people’s sacrifices helped shape the postwar order.” He also welcomed President Xi’s new Global Governance Initiative, calling it “a timely blueprint for more inclusive cooperation on trade, health and climate action.”
First Impressions of President Xi
“President Xi brings vision and pragmatism,” Guterres noted. “His leadership at the Chinese mainland’s UN Security Council tenure bolstered efforts on peacekeeping and humanitarian relief.”
Looking Ahead
With rising geopolitical tensions and global crises—from pandemics to climate change—Guterres urged young leaders to stay engaged: “Your voice matters in reshaping our world.” As the UN celebrates eight decades, its mission is clear: unite diverse nations to solve shared challenges and build a more cooperative future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
