Roundup: International dignitaries, experts applaud China's insights on improving global governance

GENEVA, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- A seminar on global governance and the launch of the English edition of the first volume of "China's Governance Under Xi Jinping's Leadership" were held on Tuesday at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

Around 200 representatives from UN agencies, international organizations, diplomatic missions to the United Nations, think tanks and the business community attended the event, applauding China's insights on reforming and improving global governance.

The event was jointly hosted by Xinhua News Agency and the permanent mission of China to the UN Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland.

Stephen Perry, honorary president of Britain's 48 Group, said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has long promoted global governance reform, offering important guidance for addressing various global challenges. He believes that this seminar will provide direction for future discussions on the issue.

Ambassador Salomon Eheth, Permanent Representative of Cameroon to the UN Office at Geneva, said that at a time when the UN system and multilateralism are facing challenges, the global governance seminar is both timely and significant. He commended China for its sustained engagement in multilateral processes and attention to global governance issues.

Zhao Houlin, former secretary general of the International Telecommunication Union, said that as an active member of the union, China has made remarkable progress in narrowing the digital divide at home. Zhao noted that President Xi delivered a keynote speech in Geneva in January 2017, where he elaborated on the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity. China's strong commitment will help realize the shared goals of the international community, Zhao said.

Professor George Katrougalos, a UN expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, said China is playing a crucial role within the multilateral system and is contributing significantly to improving global governance.

Ambassador Nadzirah Osman, permanent representative of Malaysia to the UN Office at Geneva, said the seminar on global governance has established an important platform for developing countries to engage more effectively in major global issues, such as inclusive development and technological transformation.

Executive Director of the South Center Carlos Correa noted that the seminar on global governance is of great significance for developing countries and the international community as a whole. Correa noted how South-South cooperation has deepened and expanded through a series of Chinese initiatives. The Belt and Road Initiative and the expansion of the BRICS partnership have fostered collaboration among the Global South in areas such as public health, thereby bolstering efforts to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Peter Bakker, president and CEO of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, said he was keen to read the newly launched book to gain insights into China's pivotal role in global governance. He pointed out that China is leading globally in sustainable development, offering valuable experience and models for other nations. He said China's Belt and Road Initiative has emerged as a people-centered, sustainable model of economic development.

Hussein Askary, vice chairman of the Belt and Road Institute in Sweden, told Xinhua that publishing "China's Governance Under Xi Jinping's Leadership" internationally is extremely important because it provides a window into understanding China's journey to prosperity. Askary added that the book details China's vision and achievements in economic governance. ■