By Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad
ISLAMABAD (TNS) I had the honor of attending the 2026 Global Governance Forum in Xiong’an New Area, China, held from October 23 to 25. It was a well-organized, warm and inspiring event, and I left with deep respect for the host country. China and its government deserve sincere praise for creating a platform where the world could come together to talk about its shared future.
Participants from 97 countries and international organizations attended, including people from strategic, political, academic and business communities. The theme was “Rebuilding Confidence and Cooperation: Reforming and Improving Global Governance in a Transforming World.” In a time of tension and uncertainty, it was encouraging to see so many voices meet in an open and respectful atmosphere. The field visits to Xiong’an New Area were a highlight. In only nine years, the city has risen from the ground as a modern, green and people-centered community, a sign of what long-term planning and determined action can achieve.
A Clear and Hopeful Address
The opening keynote by H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, set the tone for the forum. His speech, “Pooling Wisdom and Efforts for Global Governance,” was thoughtful and confident. It did not only describe problems. It offered a clear vision and practical steps.
What stood out most was the spirit of the speech. His Excellency spoke of a world that is moving towards multipolarity and greater democracy in international relations. He reminded the audience that humanity is woven together by shared interests and a shared future, and that no country can solve today’s challenges alone. This message of unity was welcome and timely.
A Vision Built on Fairness and Equality
At the heart of the address is the Global Governance Initiative, put forward by H.E. President Xi Jinping. At the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus” meeting in Tianjin on September 1, 2025, His Excellency President Xi Jinping, unveiled the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). While putting forward the global governance vision, President Xi made it clear that the Cold War mentality, hegemony and protectionism still haunt the world and that the global governance has arrived at a make-or-break moment. It really needs reformation. governance has arrived at a make-or-break moment. He emphasized that all nations are equal participants; they should be given equal representation in every decision-making process and should be equal beneficiaries. At the same time, His Excellency President Xi also raised voice for the underrepresentation of Global South.
The core ideas of GGI include sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach and practical action. These are values that many nations, large and small, can support. Furthermore, President Xi’s vision of global governance places UN at the heart of global governance. Though, he pointed out that there is a need to improve and strengthen UN and safeguard its authority. The GGI is not meant to “start a new venture” but to uphold multilateralism and strengthen existing governance. In H.E. Wang’s keynote, same vision as presented by H.E. President Xi, can be seen clearly.
During the address, H.E. Wang pointed out that, in just one year, the initiative has been endorsed by more than 160 countries and international organizations. More than 60 countries have joined the Group of Friends of Global Governance, and its ideas have appeared in the documents of the G20, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS. Such wide support suggests that the world is looking for a fairer and more inclusive way forward.
Another highlight of the speech was constant emphasis on equality. Every country, regardless of size or strength, has the right to choose its own development path. Every country also has the right to take part in global decisions as an equal and to share equally in the benefits. This is a simple but important principle, and it is the foundation of a just international order.
Giving the Global South a Stronger Voice
Perhaps the most inspiring part of the address was its focus on the Global South. His Excellency described the rise of the Global South as the most important shift the world has seen since World War II. He argued that giving developing countries greater representation and a stronger voice would not only correct a historical injustice but also bring fresh ideas to global governance.
This vision was supported by concrete proposals. Just like President Xi’s vision, His Excellency Wang also called for reform of the international financial system to narrow its democracy deficit. He called for reform of the U.N. Security Council that increases the representation of developing countries. He also encouraged the use of Global South cooperation mechanisms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to bring new energy to reform.
For many developing countries, these are long-held hopes. Hearing them stated so clearly by a senior Chinese leader was meaningful and encouraging.
Putting Development and Openness First
While addressing the 2026 Global Governance Forum in Xiong’an New Area, H.E. Wang, also spoke about the importance of openness and shared development. He stressed that protectionism worsens the problems while cooperation and openness lead to a better future. He supported the WTO-centered multilateral trading system and called for full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with development placed at the center of the international agenda.
By highlighting China’s initiatives and practical steps China has taken in this regard, His Excellency Wang made it very clear that these are not just words. China has given up new special and differential treatment in WTO negotiations and has offered zero-tariff access to all African countries and least developed countries that have diplomatic ties with China. This has led to a significant rise in African exports to China. Such actions show a real willingness to share opportunities with partners.
Looking Ahead: New Fields and New Rules
The address also looked to the future. His Excellency noted that the deep sea, polar regions and outer space are the common heritage of humanity and that rules for these areas must keep pace with human progress. He called for turning these frontiers from arenas of competition into areas of cooperation. On artificial intelligence, he urged a people-centered approach, so that the technology stays under human control and benefits everyone. Forward-looking thinking like this is exactly what global governance needs.
Another important highlight of the address was the 8 practical steps by China that His Excellency announced. These include hosting a successful APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November, staying engaged in U.N. reform, strengthening the Group of Friends of Global Governance, working for full implementation of the BBNJ Agreement on ocean biodiversity, and promoting a global human rights agenda that gives priority to the right to development. China will also issue a position paper on outer space governance, publish a progress report on AI capacity-building, and establish a Global Governance Research Center that will release a Global Governance Index.
Together, these steps show that China is ready to match its words with commitment and to support the United Nations as the center of the international system.
The Xiong’an Vision and A Message of Hope
The forum ended with the joint statement “Global Governance: Xiong’an Vision (2026).” It reflected broad agreement among participants on safeguarding the U.N.-centered system, accelerating development, climate action, fair trade, financial reform, and the governance of AI, cyberspace and outer space. It also stressed that people-to-people exchange builds the trust that global governance needs. Participants welcomed China’s contributions and expressed hope that the forum will continue in the years ahead.
His Excellency Wang’s address gave the forum a sense of purpose and optimism. It showed a China that wishes to work with others for a more just, equal and inclusive world, one in which every nation has a voice and every people can share in progress. The government’s efforts to strengthen the United Nations, support the Global South and promote fair cooperation deserve recognition and appreciation.
The challenges ahead are real, but the spirit of Xiong’an shows that dialogue, respect and shared effort can move the world forward.
