As the international community confronts an increasingly uncertain geopolitical and economic landscape, the need for a more inclusive, representative and effective system of global governance has become more urgent than ever.

Rising geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, climate change, rapid technological progress and eroding confidence in multilateral institutions have exposed significant shortcomings in the existing international order.

Against this backdrop, China's decision to host the 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiong'an) in Xiong'an New Area on Oct. 23-25 came at a particularly important moment.

The forum, under the theme "Rebuilding Confidence and Cooperation: Reforming and Improving Global Governance in a Transforming World," brought together nearly 400 representatives from more than 90 countries and international and regional organizations, including those from the Global South, Europe and the Americas. Its discussions covered the United Nations, climate change, artificial intelligence, multilateral trade and other pressing international challenges.

A global governance system in need of reform

The international institutions established in the aftermath of World War II have played an important role in maintaining international cooperation, facilitating economic development and providing mechanisms for resolving disputes. However, the global balance of economic and political influence has changed considerably since these institutions were created.

Emerging economies now contribute significantly to international trade, investment, infrastructure development and technological innovation. Yet many developing countries continue to experience limited representation and influence within important international decision-making structures.

At the same time, the international system faces a widening gap between the scale of global challenges and the capacity of institutions to respond effectively. Climate change cannot be addressed through isolated national policies. Financial instability quickly crosses borders. Technological advances create opportunities and risks that extend beyond national jurisdictions.

These developments underline a fundamental reality: global challenges require global solutions, but such solutions cannot succeed without the meaningful participation of countries with different political systems, economic capacities and development priorities.

In this context, China's emphasis on reforming and improving global governance rather than abandoning existing multilateral institutions deserves serious consideration.

China's Global Governance Initiative and its wider significance

China's approach to global governance has gained greater definition through the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), proposed by President Xi Jinping in September 2025.

The initiative identifies five guiding principles: sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and real actions.

These principles provide a framework through which China seeks to advance institutional reform while maintaining the central role of the United Nations.

The emphasis on sovereign equality is particularly relevant to smaller and developing countries. Although states possess formal equality under international law, their actual influence in international negotiations often differs substantially. Economic strength, technological capabilities and geopolitical leverage can determine whose interests receive greater attention.

A more representative governance system should therefore provide developing nations with genuine opportunities to participate in shaping international rules, rather than merely implementing decisions taken without their meaningful input.

Equally important is China's stated commitment to multilateralism. At a time when unilateral measures, protectionist policies and geopolitical divisions threaten international cooperation, strengthening dialogue through established institutions offers a constructive alternative.

However, the credibility of any global governance initiative ultimately depends on implementation. Principles must translate into fairer representation, stronger institutions and tangible improvements in people's lives.

The Global South and the need for a more inclusive international order

One of the most significant dimensions of China's growing global engagement is its relationship with other Global South countries. Countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and other developing regions increasingly seek a stronger voice in shaping international economic and political decisions. Their priorities frequently include infrastructure investment, poverty reduction, industrial development, climate finance, technology transfer and access to international markets.

Through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, China has sought to expand international cooperation in infrastructure, connectivity and development.

Such cooperation offers opportunities for developing economies to strengthen trade links, improve connectivity and attract productive investment. Nevertheless, its long-term success depends on project sustainability, financial transparency, local economic benefits and responsiveness to national development priorities.

For smaller economies such as Sri Lanka, these considerations are especially important. Countries facing development challenges, external economic pressures and limited negotiating power benefit from an international environment that respects sovereign decision-making and provides access to diversified partnerships.

From this perspective, inclusive global governance should not be understood as replacing the influence of one group of powerful countries with another. Rather, it should create an environment in which smaller states possess greater agency and meaningful choices.

China can strengthen its contribution to this process by supporting institutional reforms that improve the representation of developing nations and by encouraging partnerships based on consultation, mutual benefit and long-term sustainability.

Climate change and the responsibility of collective action

Climate change represents one of the clearest examples of why effective global governance is indispensable.

Many developing nations face increasing exposure to extreme weather, agricultural disruption, coastal vulnerability and climate-related financial pressures, despite having contributed relatively little to historical global emissions.

China occupies a particularly important position in international climate cooperation because of its industrial capacity, clean-energy manufacturing capabilities and role in global supply chains.

Its prominence in photovoltaics, batteries and electric vehicles creates opportunities to support the international transition toward lower-carbon development.

Yet technological production alone cannot ensure an equitable global energy transition. Affordability, access to financing, knowledge sharing and the ability of developing countries to build domestic capabilities are equally important.

China's contribution to climate governance can become more significant through partnerships that improve access to clean technologies, support climate-resilient infrastructure and strengthen cooperation under the United Nations climate framework.

At the same time, China's own emissions-reduction efforts and transparency in implementing climate commitments remain essential to its international credibility.

Artificial intelligence without a new divide

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming economic production, communication, education and public administration. However, the benefits and risks of this transformation are distributed unevenly.

Countries with advanced research institutions, computing infrastructure and substantial financial resources are better positioned to shape technological development. Many developing economies risk becoming passive end-users of technologies whose standards and governance frameworks are designed elsewhere.

This emerging imbalance raises important questions about technological sovereignty, data governance, algorithmic accountability and equitable access to innovation.

China's growing involvement in artificial intelligence research and international discussions on AI governance gives it an opportunity to support a more inclusive technological future.

The United Nations' Global Digital Compact, adopted in 2024, provides an important foundation for international cooperation on digital technologies and AI governance.

China can contribute to these efforts by supporting capacity building, research partnerships, responsible technological applications and wider developing-country participation in international standard-setting.

However, effective AI governance must also address shared concerns over safety, privacy, transparency and the protection of human rights in digital spaces. International confidence will depend on rules and practices that balance technological innovation with appropriate safeguards.

Defending multilateral trade in an era of fragmentation

The international trading system is experiencing growing pressure from protectionism, geopolitical competition and the increasing use of economic restrictions.

Such developments are particularly concerning for smaller economies that depend on predictable market access, stable supply chains and internationally agreed trading rules.

As a major trading economy, China has a substantial interest in maintaining an open and predictable international economic environment.

Its continued participation in World Trade Organization reform discussions and support for developing-country integration into global markets can make important contributions to this objective.

At the same time, meaningful leadership requires dialogue on divergent perspectives over industrial support measures, market access, fair competition and the broader consequences of national economic policies.

A credible commitment to multilateral trade must combine opposition to discriminatory protectionism with transparency, dialogue and respect for agreed international obligations.

For the Global South, preserving a rules-based trading system is not simply a matter of economic preference. It is an important safeguard against a world in which commercial relationships are determined primarily by geopolitical power.