Ban Ki-moon applauds China’s inclusive outlook on global governance

Former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has praised China’s leadership in global governance, who calls for jointly building a better world.

The former UN chief made the remarks to Xinhua during the 2017 Imperial Springs International Forum held Tuesday and Wednesday in Guangzhou. There, in the southern Chinese city, 20 members of the World Leadership AllianceClub de Madrid gathered to exchange their views on global governance.

Ban said he was inspired by the idea of building a community for the shared future of mankind proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. He felt this could help reshape global governance, as some state leaders wish only to become “national leaders” rather than “global leaders,” who are “erecting walls” instead of “building bridges.”

In praising the Belt and Road initiative as part of China’s efforts to build a community for the shared future of mankind, Ban said the initiative will bring countries closer and make them more connected.

Proposed by Xi in 2013, the Belt and Road initiative aims to build trade and infrastructure networks that will connect Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes. It comprises of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

“This is a very good way to have inclusive and interconnected dialogue and mutual cooperation within the region, which is helpful for global development,” he said.

“I really hope this Belt and Road initiative will bear fruitful results,” he added.

Ban expressed his gratitude toward China’s leadership and resolution in combating climate change, recalling that the process of ratifying the Paris Agreement was greatly accelerated after China ratified the agreement in September 2016, as other countries soon followed suit.

“I hope that President Xi will keep leading a global campaign to make sure the Paris climate change agreement is fully implemented,” he added.

However, Ban said he was “deeply disturbed and even angry” at the decision of the US to quit the agreement, which he believes is “politically short-sighted and scientifically wrong.”

Commenting on jointly building a better international community, Ban called on all nations to further engage in global governance on international, regional and national levels, especially at actions targeted toward youth.

“A transparent, accountable and responsible governance system will help our world to be a peaceful and prosperous place and ensure that all people are respected,” he concluded.

The Imperial Springs International Forum was jointly initiated in 2015 by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association, aiming at promoting mutual understanding and trust between China and the rest of the world and discussing important international and regional issues.