Forum seeks fairer, more rational global order

As the world grapples with rising unilateralism, protectionism and instability, experts and officials from around the globe have voiced strong support at a forum for China's major global initiatives, saying these blueprints offer constructive solutions to development and governance challenges.

Romano Prodi, former prime minister of Italy and former president of the European Commission, observed that the world is now experiencing its most turbulent period since World War II. Prodi said that institutions founded for unity — such as the World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization — are being weakened, and that Europe and China should shoulder their responsibilities and work together to build a fairer and more rational international order.

He described China as an increasingly stabilizing force in the world, citing its growing influence in trade and its firm commitment to win-win cooperation.

Prodi said that for Europe, China has "never been an enemy but a friend", adding that both sides should take pragmatic steps to advance their relations, strengthen people-to-people exchanges and deepen mutual trust to achieve harmonious coexistence.

Jorg Kukies, former German finance minister, said that Germany and Europe regard sustainable development as a central pillar of their growth agenda.

Kukies praised China's call to "leave no one behind" on the path of development, noting that this principle closely resonates with Europe's own philosophy of inclusive growth.

He reaffirmed Germany's commitment to multilateralism within the United Nations framework, stressing that advancing free trade is essential for defending the multilateral order. Kukies called on all parties to open markets wider, enhance efficiency and promote trade to achieve shared prosperity.

Esteves Carlos Hilario, a member of the Political Bureau and secretary for information and communications of the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola, said that global development should not be seen as merely the sum of national economic growth, but rather as a shared civilizational endeavor.

"Sustainable development stems from the ability to coexist in diversity," Hilario said, adding that cultural, political and economic diversity must be protected as "valuable sources of innovation, dialogue and peace".

He called on all nations to strengthen solidarity and jointly address common challenges, while urging reforms of international institutions to better reflect a multipolar and interconnected world, amplify the voices of developing countries and uphold genuine multilateralism.

The 2025 Tongzhou Global Development Forum, hosted by Renmin University of China and the Tongzhou District People's Government of Beijing Municipality, began on Thursday and lasts through Saturday. It has brought together more than 500 experts and scholars from over 40 countries and regions under the theme "Coexistence in Harmony: The Foundation and Order of Global Development", aiming to address pressing global development challenges and build consensus on cooperation.

zhaojia@chinadaily.com.cn