On September 1, 2020, United Nations Association of China (UNA-China) and Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) co-hosted the International Seminar on the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations with the theme of“Strengthening Multilateralism for a Better Future” in Beijing. Mr. WANG Yi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China attended the High-Level Meeting and delivered a keynote video speech. Mr. WANG Chao, President of UNA-China and CPIFA presided over the seminar.

The keynote speakers include Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Ms. Amina Mohammed, Former President of Slovenia Dr. Danilo Türk, Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Shaukat Aziz, Former Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Mr. Djoomart Otorbaev, Chairman of Boao Forum for Asia and Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Malta and Permanent Representative of Malta to the World Trade Organization Dr. Alex Trigona, United Nations Resident Coordinator (AD Interim) in China Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi, Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Research Institute of National University of Singapore and Former Permanent Representative of Singapore to the UN Mr. Kishore Mahbubani, Senior Fellow and Co-Founder of the Center for Strategic and International Studies of Indonesia Dr. Jusuf Wanandi, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on European Affairs and Former Under Secretary-General of the United Nations Amb. WU Hongbo, President of China Public Diplomacy Association and Former Permanent Representative of China to the UN Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland Amb. WU Hailong, Former Ambassador of China to Malaysia and Former Director-General of Department of Treaty and Law of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Amb. HUANG Huikang, Executive Vice President of China Institute of International Studies Mr. RUAN Zongze, Executive Dean of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies Dr. WANG Wen, Professor of Department of International Law of China Foreign Affairs University Mr. Yee Sienho. More than 100 participants, including representatives of United Nations agencies in China and prominent experts and scholars from universities and research institutions at home and abroad, joined the meeting through on-site and online participation.

Wang Yi said, over the past 75 years, the UN has traveled an extraordinary course and forged ahead despite challenges, and vigorously promoted the development of the world and human rights. The world has witnessed overall peace and stability. Most nations have come to realize that differences must be settled through dialogue and conflicts resolved through mediation. For the next 75 years, all nations should make concerted efforts to safeguard multilateralism, stand on the right side of development and progress, and bring the cause of the UN to a new level. Wang Yi proposed five suggestions: First, the central role of the UN should be upheld. Second, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be observed. Third, peace and development should be pursued. Fourth, win-win cooperation should be advocated. Fifth, the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind should be promoted. Currently, the pandemic has compounded the once-in-a-century changes unfolding in our world. It has affected every aspect of our life and reminds us once again that the wellbeing and future of all countries are interconnected. It is time we make a choice: choose solidarity over division, cooperation over confrontation, and sharing responsibilities over deflecting them to others. Ultimately, humanity will prevail over the virus. The world may be changed because of the pandemic. Yet, peace and development are still the order of the day; cooperation and mutual benefit will remain the irreversible trend; and history will march forward despite all setbacks.

Wang Yi said, as the world’s largest developing country and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China is embracing the lofty ideals of the UN by contributing to humanity’s cause of peace and development. China has been a promoter of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order, and a provider of public goods. China will defend its sovereignty and dignity, uphold its legitimate rights and interests, and safeguard international fairness and justice. China will continue to pursue a win-win strategy of opening-up and share development opportunities with the rest of the world. China has faithfully fulfilled its international obligations and strictly honored its international commitments. China will continue to shoulder international responsibilities commensurate with its capabilities. President Xi announced a host of major initiatives in support of the work of the UN at the summit meetings commemorating the 70th anniversary of its founding. All these initiatives have been implemented. China has facilitated the UN's efforts in different areas like peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, energy, agriculture, infrastructure and education, injected impetus for global sustainable development, and made important contribution to women's development in the world. China will continue to shoulder its responsibilities and make its contribution as a major country, provide more global public goods and play its part to promote world peace and development. The Chinese side is willing to join hands with all parties to uphold and carry forward multilateralism, renew the commitments of the UN, and strive toward the great goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Participants discussed topics like “Upholding Principles and Purposes of the UN Charter and Reinforcing the Role of the UN” and “Enhancing Solidarity and Cooperation to Address the Global Challenges”, recalling the original aspiration of the founding of the UN and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. They shared the view that it is particularly important to adhere to the purposes and principles of the Charter and support multilateralism at this critical time. The COVID-19 pandemic is threatening the world order, and no country can pull itself out of this crisis alone. Upholding solidarity and opposing division are the biggest tasks facing the international community. The pandemic should be an opportunity to strengthen global unity in the new era, build consensus, and promote cooperative and inclusive multilateralism. World Health Organization and other UN agencies have played an important role in responding to the pandemic, which has been widely recognized by the international community.

At present, the increasing unilateralism has exerted a negative impact on multilateralism and the international order. Unilateral and hegemonic actions such as “America First” are criticized and opposed by the international community. Participants believed that global challenges can only be solved through multilateral means and international cooperation. We should take advantage of the opportunity brought about by globalization, constantly promote healthy competition, global productivity and innovation, enhance cooperation among major countries, and advance the common progress of human society. Besides, we should abandon unilateralism, promote the reform of multilateral institutions, strengthen global crisis management mechanisms and capacity building, and improve the leadership and performance of multilateral institutions.

China’s development over the past 40 years have enabled it to cope with the public health impact, effectively contain the spread of the pandemic, and save more lives, setting an example for the world. China’s influence has been continuously growing on the world stage. In the fight against the pandemic, China has provided assistance to many countries. Cooperation in response to the pandemic has once again demonstrated the importance of practicing the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind. China is expected to continue to play an important role in promoting global sustainable development.

Related News Links： 

1. [ Live News] International Seminar on the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations: Maintaining the central role of the UN in the global governance (18′30″-20′52″)

2. Keynote Speech by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the International Seminar on the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations