A senior Chinese diplomat called for efforts to enhance communication and cooperation among participants of the Vienna Chapter of the Group of Friends of Global Governance to build a more just and equitable global governance system.
Li Song, China’s permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, delivered a speech at the thematic event on the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which also marks the launch of the Vienna Chapter of the Group of Friends of Global Governance, in Vienna, Austria, on Tuesday.
Noting global challenges are emerging one after another at present and the UN is at a new crossroads, Li said China has formally proposed the GGI that aligns closely with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, follows the trend of the times and reflects the common aspirations of the international community.
The Group of Friends of Global Governance, initiated by China, has been launched successively in New York and Geneva, Li said, adding that UN member states are joining with enthusiasm, especially those from the Global South.
Noting Vienna, one of the four headquarters of the UN, enjoys unique strengths in a wide range of areas, Li said the Vienna Chapter of the Group of Friends of Global Governance is open to all UN member states.
Li added that the Vienna Chapter of the Group of Friends of Global Governance will strengthen communication and coordination with Vienna-based international organizations, jointly advance the five core concepts of the GGI, namely sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, people-centered approach and action orientation, and promote the Vienna multilateral cause.
More than 130 attendees participated, including permanent representatives from more than 40 countries, the founding members of the group, representatives from other international organizations and experts from international think tanks, in the event.
The attendees expressed strong recognition and support for GGI, praising China’s leading role in supporting the UN, advocating for multilateralism, upholding fairness and justice, and reforming and improving the global governance system.
The participants noted that the establishment of Vienna Chapter of the Group of Friends of Global Governance is timely, and they look forward to strengthening communication and coordination on the multilateral platform in Vienna, building broader consensus and making new contributions to safeguarding multilateralism, advancing the construction and reform of the global governance system.
