Distinguished Dean Sultan-Khan,
Dear students and faculty,
It is a great pleasure to join you here at the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations. Geneva is not only an important platform for global governance, but also a symbol of the spirit of multilateralism. To exchange ideas and discuss the most pressing challenges facing this world, could not be more timely and meaningful. Like many of you here, I too studied international politics and diplomacy in my youth. I joined the foreign service when the UN was celebrating its 40th anniversary with the main theme of United for a Better World. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the UN. Unfortunately, the deteriorating global landscape across political, economic, and security domains cause major concerns of us all.
Firstly, The geopolitical crisis in Ukraine, Middle East and other parts of the world still sees no solution. Thematic issues such as climate change, food and energy crisis constitute common challenges, and the realization of SDGs remains a long way to go. The exponential development of AI is like a sword with double edges, AI for good and AI for all is still our continued pursuit.
Secondly, on the economic front, there is a growing trend of decoupling with rampant protectionism. Under the pretext of “America first”, the United States have pursued zero-sum tactics such as unilateral tariffs, seriously undermining the rules-based multilateral trading system and threatening global economic stability. The approach of building “small yards with high fences,” or adhering to power politics may bring short-term gains, but eventually runs counter to the common interests of all, and will not be conductive to solve the problems. China and the United States will conduct trade talks here in Geneva during the weekend. I believe only in the spirit of mutual respect and mutually beneficial outcomes and on an equal basis, good progress could be made. It is important for the US side to take the right approach and mindset, to conduct the dialogue like equal partners, rather than bringing the whole process under pressure and duress.
Thirdly, diversity is the nature of this world. It is only natural for us to learn and benefit from each other. Unfortunately, Some countries claim themselves as judges or teaches, seeking to impose their own values and systems on others. This obviously is detrimental to promote dialogue among civilizations.
Last but not least, multilateral mechanisms are experiencing disengagement. Some country withdraw from international agreements at will, cut funding, or impose unilateral coercive measures, thereby weakening solidarity and cooperation among nations and undermining the authority of the multilateral system with the United Nations at its core.
Against this backdrop, we are truly at a crossroads. Where to go and how to move ahead? We have to ask ourselves seriously: do we united as we should? Is this world a better place as enshrined in the UN Charter?
In such a critical moment, it’s high time for us to recommit ourselves to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, so as to rebuild trust, restore cooperation, and navigate these uncertain times together.
In this context, China firmly supports the UN system, by committing itself to promote world peace and common development. President Xi Jinping has proposed the vision to build a community with a shared future for mankind, which underscores the importance of dialogue and cooperation among different countries and civilizations on the basis of mutual respect and equality. And it calls for the building of an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity. Based on these principles, China has put forward the Global Development, Security, and Civilization Initiatives, with a view to addressing the world’s development gaps, security dilemmas, and cultural misunderstandings. These vision and initiatives represent the fundamental basis of China’s perspective and approach to solving global challenges.
At the same time, China has been firmly advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation following the principle of broad consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. Many countries have benefited from this process. By promoting infrastructure connectivity and development strategy alignment, China made its contribution to global development cooperation and thus injecting sustained momentum into multilateralism.
China’s commitment is also evident in the paths we pursue. We are advancing modernization with Chinese characteristics, a process aimed not only at a better life for our own people, but also at fostering a better world with harmony between humanity and nature. Chinese modernization is grounded in peaceful development, openness, cooperation, mutual benefit, and respect for each country’s chosen path. Our focus goes beyond GDP growth—we strive to narrow social disparities, promote fairness and justice, encourage green transformation, and cultivate cultural vibrancy. Thus offers a new development model—an alternative that proves progress and happiness can be achieved under different model and systems.
China’s commitment is also reflected in our concrete actions. We are now the second-largest contributor to the United Nations regular budget and peacekeeping assessments. China is also the largest troop contributor among the permanent members of the Security Council, with over 50,000 peacekeepers dispatched to date. We established the Peace and Development Fund to support conflict resolution and global development. Here in Geneva, China actively participates in multilateral cooperation in areas such as human rights, disarmament, public health, trade and development, intellectual property, telecommunications, labor, science and technology, and WTO reform. We stands ready to make joint efforts with others to tap the potential of global Geneva, for the well-being of us all and that of our future generations.
China’s consistent support for multilateralism is rooted in our cultural heritage and national genes. The Chinese civilization has long cherished harmony among nations and unity in diversity, advocating peaceful coexistence and prioritizing justice over self-interest. China’s foreign policy is characterized by promoting cooperation based on equality and mutual respect, and opposing to power politics. We will stick to our socialist system with Chinese characteristics, and in the meantime, respect all nations’ independent choices for their own development. We do not seek to export ideology, nor do we mechanically copy the model of others, or engage in competition of systems or ideological confrontation. It’s not in our interests or the interests of anybody.
Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and especially since reform and opening up, China has maintained special connection with this city. The last several decades witnessed the growing relationship between China and the United Nations system. In 1954, Premier Zhou Enlai participated in the Geneva Conference, impressed the whole world with Chinese wisdom and proposals. In 2017, President Xi Jinping delivered a landmark speech here in Geneva, offering the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind—a reaffirmation of our multilateral commitment. We will redouble our efforts to promote multilateral cooperation as the UN approaches its 80th anniversary.
Indeed, life is not easy in this trouble world. While life is going on, and it will not become easier if we fail to do something together. As close neighbors in this small villages of planet earth, none of us has anywhere to escape. As passengers in the same boat on uncharted waters, we have no other choice and but paddle in the same direction.It is gratifying that the UNGA has adopted in its last session the Pact for the Future, Global Digital Compact and the a Declaration on Future Generations, representing the common aspirations of us all. No matter how the international landscape may evolve, China will continue to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world, and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. China stands ready as always to contribute its wisdom and thoughts for the common interests of humanity, and make joint efforts with you all to make our world a better place.
Today, I am very much encourage to see so many students from various parts of the world with shared passion for diplomacy and international affairs. This gathering itself is a powerful testament to the essence of multilateralism. I sincerely hope that in your future academic and professional journeys, you will uphold a global perspective—one that is farsighted, inclusive, and principled, idealistic, responsible, and action-oriented. I am sure as long as we stay united and make concerted efforts, we could make a difference to build a better world.
Thank you very much for your attention!