In a world facing interconnected challenges, the call for a fairer international order grows louder. This week in Vienna, a Chinese diplomatic initiative took a significant step forward, aiming to reshape how nations collaborate on the global stage.
At a thematic event marking the launch of the Vienna Chapter of the Group of Friends of Global Governance, Li Song, China's permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, outlined a vision for enhanced multilateral cooperation. The event, held on Tuesday, centered on China's Global Governance Initiative (GGI).
"Global challenges are emerging one after another at present, and the UN is at a new crossroads," Li stated in his address. He emphasized that the GGI aligns closely with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and reflects common international aspirations.
The Group of Friends of Global Governance, initiated by China, has now been launched in New York, Geneva, and most recently in Vienna. Li highlighted that UN member states, particularly those from the Global South, are joining with enthusiasm.
Explaining Vienna's unique role as one of the four UN headquarters cities, Li noted that the new chapter is open to all member states. It aims to strengthen coordination with Vienna-based international organizations to advance the GGI's core concepts: sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and action orientation.
The gathering drew more than 130 attendees, including permanent representatives from over 40 countries, founding members of the group, and representatives from international organizations and think tanks.
Participants expressed strong recognition and support for the GGI, praising China's leading role in supporting the UN, advocating for multilateralism, and seeking to reform the global governance system. Many noted that the establishment of the Vienna Chapter is timely and look forward to building broader consensus on the platform.
This move underscores a growing collaborative effort to address systemic issues through dialogue and shared principles, positioning multilateral diplomacy in Vienna as a key forum for shaping a more equitable international future.
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China urges advancing global governance by Group of Friends in Vienna
cgtn.com
