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Panel on China and Global Governance Initiative held on second day of 13th Baku Global Forum

13 March 2026 11:43 (UTC +04:00)

The XIII Baku Global Forum continues, APA reports.

A panel discussion titled “China and the Global Governance Initiative” was held within the framework of the forum.

First, Wu Hongbo, former Special Representative of China for European Affairs at the United Nations and former Ambassador to Germany, delivered a speech.

He spoke about his country’s position on the international order, the projects it supports, and the proposals it puts forward:

“Reforms should be carried out at the United Nations, that is true, but I can also imagine how chaotic a world without the UN would be.”

He added that the governance of the world by two superpowers is not supported by China and that China advocates multilateralism.

Speaking afterwards, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov talked about the strategic cooperation between Azerbaijan and China, as well as Azerbaijan’s role as a connecting bridge between the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

Former President of Slovenia Borut Pahor and former Prime Minister of Italy Romano Prodi also spoke about China’s role in global politics and the economy.

“China is becoming the world’s number one economy and is preparing itself to become a global leader within the next 15 years,” he said.

“In the future, a situation may arise where we will not be able to export anything to China,” Prodi noted.

Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan Eldor Aripov then spoke about Central Asia’s, particularly Uzbekistan’s, relations with China and opportunities for cooperation.

Economist and sinologist Josef Mondl discussed the strategic economic objectives of China’s initiatives and emphasized that the projects supported by China pursue the same strategy and should not be viewed as “isolated puzzle pieces” detached from a common goal.

Former UK Member of Parliament and Foreign Secretary Tobias Ellwood spoke about increasing risks in global politics and the instability of the international system.

He noted that the world system is changing, competition between major powers is increasing, and if new international rules are not created, this process could lead to serious global confrontation.

Toghrul Guluzade

Baku Global Forum China Global Governance Initiative Wu Hongbo Mikayil Jabbarov Borut Pahor Romano Prodi Eldor Aripov Josef Mondl Tobias Ellwood global politics international order multilateralism