As geopolitical tensions and polarization challenge international stability, the Group of Friends of Global Governance has issued a unified call to strengthen adherence to the UN Charter. Speaking at the UN Special Committee on February 17, 2026, the coalition of 49 member states emphasized the urgent need to uphold sovereign equality, multilateralism, and peaceful dispute resolution.
Charter Principles Under Pressure
In a joint statement delivered by China, the group warned that selective application of international law and unilateral sanctions risk undermining global order. "The Charter's principles—including non-interference and prohibition of force—are not optional," the statement read. It specifically referenced Resolution 2788, adopted by the Security Council last year to reinforce dispute mediation mechanisms.
New Tools for Peaceful Resolution
The group highlighted the International Organization for Mediation, established in October 2025 in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, as a critical new platform for conflict prevention. This development aligns with Chapter VI of the UN Charter, which prioritizes negotiation and arbitration over coercive measures.
Multilateralism in Action
Emphasizing the UN's central role in global governance, the coalition urged members to reject "double standards" in international relations. The statement comes as the Group of Friends of Global Governance—launched in December 2025 through China's Global Governance Initiative—seeks to expand its influence in shaping a rules-based system.
