MULTILATERALISM IS THE ONLY WAY FORWARD

BEIJING, OCTOBER 26 /SRNA/ - Multilateralism is the only sustainable way to effectively address shortcomings in global governance, and the central role of the UN must be preserved while improving the efficiency of the organization's system, according to a document adopted at the Global Governance Forum held in Xiongan.

The forum ended yesterday with the release of the document "Global Governance: The Xiongan Vision", which calls for strengthening multilateral cooperation, reforming global institutions and greater representation of developing countries in international decision-making.

The document highlights the need for greater participation by countries of the Global South in setting international rules, determining priorities and decision-making, stating that their representation and voice in international affairs should be strengthened.

Developing countries are called on to enhance their mutual unity and make a greater contribution to global governance.

On economic governance, participants called for development to be made a global priority, for implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to be accelerated, and for preparations to begin on drafting a new global development agenda.

The document advocates reform of the World Trade Organization so that it can respond to the challenges of digitalization and green development, make economic globalization more inclusive and equitable, and improve the representation of emerging markets and developing countries in the international financial architecture.

Climate change, artificial intelligence, cyberspace and outer space were singled out as areas requiring stronger international cooperation, China Media Group reported.

The document calls for the establishment of a fair and effective system of global climate change governance, with greater financial and technological support for developing countries.

The UN is assigned a central role in the global governance of artificial intelligence, with emphasis that AI must remain under human control.

The document advocates the peaceful use of outer space and respect for the digital sovereignty of states.

The document further stresses the importance of people-to-people contacts and dialogue among civilizations as a foundation for rebuilding trust, calling for a shift from "elite consensus" to "social participation" and from "forum dialogue" to "lasting cooperation networks".

The document notes that the world is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation, while increasingly pronounced global challenges make reform of the governance system ever more urgent.

The forum was held from October 23 to 25 in the Xiongan New Area, in China's Hebei Province, with the participation of representatives from 97 countries and international organizations.

The theme of the forum was "Rebuilding Trust and Cooperation: Reforming and Improving Global Governance in a Changing World".