On December 9 (Tuesday), the Chinese delegation to the United Nations hosted a meeting at UN Headquarters in New York to launch the Group of Friends on Global Governance (hereinafter referred to as the “Friends Group”). The meeting marked the formal establishment of the group. Fu Cong, China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, chaired the session, which was attended by representatives of nearly 40 founding member countries from different regions of the world.
Fu Cong stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward a vision on global governance that emphasizes five core principles: respect for sovereign equality, adherence to the rule of international law, the practice of multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and a focus on action and results. He noted that this vision represents another important global public good provided by China and reflects China’s wisdom and solutions for reforming and improving global governance.
Guided by the Global Governance Initiative, China proposed the establishment of the Friends Group with the aim of strengthening communication and cooperation with all parties on key global governance issues, and working toward a more just and equitable global governance system. China expressed its willingness to work closely with member states to improve the group’s institutional framework, deepen cooperation, and contribute to the reform and development of global governance.
Representatives of participating countries spoke actively at the meeting, expressing strong recognition and support for the Global Governance Initiative and warmly welcoming the establishment of the Friends Group. They praised China’s leading role in advancing global governance and expressed the expectation that the group would enhance policy dialogue and practical cooperation, uphold multilateralism, and inject new momentum into the reform and development of global governance.
Following the meeting, the Friends Group issued a joint statement emphasizing that its establishment is an important step toward implementing the Global Governance Initiative. The statement affirmed that all parties will jointly safeguard the outcomes of the victory in World War II, firmly support the role of the United Nations, take coordinated action on key global governance issues, and sincerely invite more like-minded countries to join the group.
Source: China Media Group.