The Global Governance Initiative (GGI), unveiled by President Xi Jinping at a summit two weeks ago, was in the spotlight at a forum at the United Nations marking the world body’s 80th anniversary, with China’s top UN envoy and experts calling it a pathway to revitalizing multilateralism and international cooperation.

At the Vision China event on Sept 15, held under the theme “Standing United: Inheriting the UN Legacy, Advancing Global Governance”, China’s permanent representative to the UN Fu Cong recalled the UN’s achievements in advancing world peace, development, and human progress, but warned that its structures were under strain.

“What we are grappling with today are the underrepresentation of the Global South, the undermined authority of multilateralism and the underperformance of the international community as a whole in addressing global challenges,” Fu said.

“The rise of developing countries and emerging economies is reshaping the global landscape. The structures we built decades ago are becoming increasingly out of step with today’s realities. Calls for reform, especially from the Global South, grow louder with each passing day,” he said.

Fu said unilateralism “driven by some countries’ narrow self-interests” is a growing obstacle to the authority and effectiveness of multilateralism.

“This has, in turn, hampered our collective efforts to address global challenges, those that are no longer confined within a single country, nor can be addressed by any nation alone.”

Fu noted that the GGI rests on five core concepts: sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach and real results.

“Together, they outline the principles and pathways for improving the global governance system,” he said.

Fu said the five core concepts “demonstrate the Global Governance Initiative’s firm support for the UN’s central role in international affairs”.

“For China, reforming and improving global governance is never about tearing down the current system, nor about starting something anew,” said Fu.

“Rather, it is about strengthening the capacity and effectiveness of existing institutions, so that they can better keep pace with changing realities, respond more swiftly to global challenges, and better serve the interests of all countries, especially the developing world,” he added.

Fu called the GGI the fourth major global initiative proposed by China, following those on development, security and civilization.

He said each of the four global initiatives addresses a distinct challenge.

“Looking ahead, China will stay committed to the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits,” said Fu.

“Under the guidance of the Global Governance Initiative, we stand ready to join hands with the United Nations and all partners to promote the building of a fairer and more equitable system of global governance, and a community with a shared future for humanity,” he said.

The event was co-hosted by China Daily and the Permanent Mission of China to the UN, and co-organized by the Bank of China.

Bilin Lin and Belinda Robinson in New York contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at minluzhang@chinadailyusa.com