XIONG’AN, China — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called for reforms to the global governance system to give developing countries a greater voice in international decision-making and strengthen the role of the United Nations.

 

Speaking at the 2026 Global Governance Forum in Xiong’an, Wang said that the international community should address governance deficits, uphold multilateralism and promote a more just and equitable international order.

 

“While unilateralism and bullying resurge, and governance deficits widen, our world is decidedly moving toward multipolarity and greater democracy in international relations,” Wang said.

 

He also called on countries to implement Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI), launched a year ago to address challenges in peace, development, security and governance.

 

In a message to the forum delivered by Wang, Xi said that China was ready to work with all parties to promote a global governance vision based on extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.

 

Wang said that the initiative had been endorsed by more than 160 countries and international organisations, while more than 60 countries had joined the Group of Friends of Global Governance. Its core elements had also been incorporated into documents issued by the G20, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS, he added.

 

Wang also stressed the UN's central role, calling on countries to reaffirm their commitment to the UN Charter, uphold multilateralism, and defend the organisation’s authority amid growing international instability.

 

He also called for reforms to strengthen the UN’s ability to respond to international crises and address the concerns of developing countries.

 

All countries, regardless of their size or strength, should have the right to choose their social systems and development paths according to their national conditions and people’s needs, Wang said, adding that Countries should also participate in global governance on an equal footing.

 

Wang also described the rise of the Global South as the most significant shift in the international landscape since World War II, saying greater participation by developing countries would help correct historical imbalances.

 

He called for reform of the international financial system according to agreed timelines and roadmaps, as well as changes to the UN Security Council to increase developing countries’ representation, with priority given to addressing Africa’s aspirations through special arrangements.

 

He also urged greater involvement of small and medium-sized countries in global decision-making.

 

On trade, Wang called for an open global economy and warned that protectionism would worsen economic imbalances. He urged countries to safeguard the World Trade Organisation-centred multilateral trading system and fully implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

 

Wang also called for stronger international rules governing the deep sea, polar regions and outer space, saying these areas should become platforms for cooperation rather than competition.

 

Artificial intelligence should be developed in a people-centred manner and benefit humanity, with an internationally agreed governance framework ensuring the technology remains under human control, he said.

 

Wang announced eight actions China would take to support global governance reform, including hosting the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November, supporting UN reform and encouraging wider participation in the Group of Friends of Global Governance.

 

Other measures include supporting implementation of the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, promoting the right to development in multilateral human rights discussions and issuing a position paper on outer space governance.

 

China will also publish a progress report on its artificial intelligence capacity-building action plan and establish a global governance research centre to publish a Global Governance Index and annual reports, he said, adding that China is ready to work with all countries to reform and improve global governance.

 

President of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs Wu Ken said that nearly 400 participants from more than 90 countries and international and regional organisations, including the United Nations, had been invited to the forum, about half from overseas.

 

Around 70 per cent were think tank experts and scholars, alongside figures from the political, business, financial, technological and cultural sectors, he added.

 

Wu also stressed the forum reflected emerging trends in global governance reform, including broader participation, collaborative governance and inclusive approaches.

 

He also noted that it aimed to strengthen cooperation between China and the international community and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.