Global leaders advocate enhanced security governance at World Peace Forum

BEIJING: Global leaders from academia, former government officials, and diplomats convened in Beijing for the twelfth World Peace Forum, jointly hosted by Tsinghua University and the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs.

According to the Xinhua, The forum was themed “Strengthening Global Security Governance: Unity, Justice, and Cooperation”. It addressed pressing issues facing the international community.

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The Vice Secretary-General of the World Peace Forum and Director of Tsinghua’s Institute of International Relations Yan Xuetong talked about the growing challenges of deglobalisation. This affect’s both, economic interactions and political relations.

He urged nations to set aside differences and unite in enhancing global security governance to achieve sustainable and peaceful development.

Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin talked about the fragmentation of global order, attributing it to increased use of force, escalating crises, and polarisation among nations. He stressed the necessity for diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing the risk of conflicts and minimizing their global repercussions.

Senior Fellow at Yale Law School Susan Thornton called for collective action by nations to leverage their influence in promoting global peace and stability. She stated that it was important to establish a robust frameworks for international cooperation to address common challenges effectively.

The forum coincided with China’s commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, foundational principles in modern international relations. The principles—mutual respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, and peaceful coexistence—have become essential norms guiding international interactions.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama encouraged dialogue and trust-building among East Asian countries. Meanwhile, Sohail Mahmood of Pakistan stressed the importance of South-South cooperation in enhancing the capabilities of developing nations.

Former Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr talked about the imperative of upholding international legal frameworks to ensure global stability. He called for robust support for international law as a cornerstone for fostering a world governed by principles of justice and fairness.

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Participants advocated for countries to uphold these principles and other international norms, such as the Bandung Spirit, to foster greater global unity and solidarity. They talked about the role of the United Nations in promoting adherence to international law and resolving disputes through peaceful means.