Global challenges focus of forum
Experts hail ideas put forward by China as meet kicks off in Boao
The concept of building a community of shared future for mankind is the way forward for the world to tackle complex challenges through joint dialogues and construction, mutual respect and benefits, experts said ahead of the Boao Forum for Asia, or BFA, annual conference.
The concept of building a community of shared future for mankind, raised by Chinese President Xi Jinping a decade ago, highlights common security and prosperity for all countries on the same planet.
“The idea to work for ‘a community of shared future for mankind’ put forward by President Xi through the Global Security, Development and Civilization initiatives is a way forward to address the challenges faced by the world today,” said Zafar Uddin Mahmood, policy adviser to the secretary-general of BFA.
BFA 2024, scheduled for March 26 to 29 in Boao, China’s southern island province of Hainan, bears the theme “Asia and the World: Common Challenges, Shared Responsibilities”. The conference’s themed modules this year include discussions on global security, the world economy, scitech innovation, social development and international cooperation.
The former special envoy for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor noted today’s challenges include conflicts and wars, climate change and poverty among others.
According to him, a comprehensive exchange of views by experts from Asia and beyond on various subjects will help reach a consensus on the way forward to address the various challenges and issues.
“The only way to grow is to have peace … The idea of common development which has been put forward by President Xi in China is the way forward,” said Atul Dalakoti, executive director of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
“I think peace is the most important area to concentrate on, if we need economic development,” he said. “I personally feel that in the world, there are still 4 to 5 billion people who need to have much better jobs, much better life, much better economic fundamentals …”
Technology benefits
Technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data can serve as tools to bring economic benefits to the remaining 4 to 5 billion people only if we have peace in the world.
Dalakoti said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also committed to the idea of common development, and that “we have been working really closely with Ukraine and with Russia to see if there’s a possible chance of getting peace”.
Carl Fey, professor of strategy at BI Norwegian Business School and a visiting scholar at Boao Forum, also cited the challenge of current conflicts, most notably those in Gaza and Ukraine.
“There are a lot of possibilities for greater collaboration, and that’s really badly needed,” he said.
Auvo Kaikkonen, minister counselor and head of regional representation to China and Mongolia at the European Investment Bank, said climate change is one of the most pressing challenges that Asia and the world face.
“Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events and environmental degradation threaten ecosystems, biodiversity and human livelihoods,” he said. “We as a global community must have a collaborative approach to cope with these by applying international cooperation focusing on shared responsibility and solidarity. Promoting inclusive economic growth, social equity and environmental stewardship ensures sustainable development.”
Fey also said, “The innovations that China comes up with can be helpful in the US and in Europe and vice versa. So it’s important that we all specialize in what we’re best at doing and collaborate to share ideas of how we can move forward.”
Headquartered in China, BFA is an international organization jointly initiated by 29 member states. A number of state leaders and top officials are to attend this year’s session.