Under the grand dome of the United Nations General Assembly, Chinese premier Li Qiang marked a historic moment. As the world commemorated the 80th anniversaries of the UN’s founding and the end of World War II, Li delivered a stirring address, challenging nations to rethink the path forward.
He began by recalling the UN’s founding ideal of a world free of war, describing the organisation as a bold experiment to escape the law of the jungle. For decades, this multilateral framework has underpinned global peace and spurred unprecedented development.
But today, Li warned, that framework is at risk. A surge of unilateralism, protectionism and Cold War thinking threatens to unravel decades of progress. He questioned how the world could stay silent in the face of hegemonism and bullying, urging delegates to honour the sacrifices of early UN architects.
Pointing to China’s role as a founding UN member, Li reaffirmed the country’s commitment to true multilateralism. From being the top contributor of peacekeepers among the five permanent members of the Security Council to advocating for the equality of all nations, he highlighted China’s track record as a builder of peace.
His address unveiled a coherent roadmap: four interlinked Global Initiatives that together form a vision for a shared future. The Global Development Initiative aims to bridge development gaps through sustainable projects. The Global Security Initiative calls for dialogue over confrontation and partnership over bloc politics. The Global Civilization Initiative celebrates cultural diversity as a force for mutual understanding. And the new Global Governance Initiative seeks to reform international systems to better reflect today’s world.
Li pointed to China’s recent diplomatic wins—mediating the restoration of ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran and brokering peace talks in key hotspots—as proof that dialogue and partnership can deliver results.
In an era of rising tensions, his message is clear: collective action against global challenges is the only way to preserve peace and prosperity. For a younger, digitally connected generation, Li’s roadmap offers both a challenge and a promise—to build a world where nations collaborate, cultures connect and shared progress lights the way forward.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
