November 13: The ninth edition of the Paris Peace Forum convened in Paris, France, on November 10 and 11 under the overarching theme “From Sovereignty to Cooperation.” Participants engaged in extensive deliberations on how nations can effectively safeguard their national sovereignty while simultaneously strengthening international cooperation to confront shared global challenges amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Addressing the forum, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres underscored that sovereign equality stands as one of the foundational principles of the UN Charter, noting that international cooperation serves as an indispensable mechanism for nations to better protect their sovereignty. He called for building a multipolar world anchored firmly in international law.
This year’s gathering placed heightened focus on global governance and cooperation surrounding critical mineral resources. Experts participating in the discussions observed that while Global South nations have long served as primary suppliers of strategic minerals, their voice, representation, and legitimate interests in international resource governance require substantial reinforcement. Through more open and inclusive cooperative frameworks, Global South countries must be empowered to participate more equitably in constructing international industrial and supply chains.
In an interview on the sidelines of the forum, Cui Hongjian, a professor at the Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, highlighted China’s role as a representative member of the Global South. He noted that China has committed substantial policy support, financing, and industrial investment toward deepening commercial and industrial partnerships with fellow Global South nations, as well as accelerating their green and digital transitions.
Source: Zinia, Touhid, Tuhina | China Media Group (CMG)