Remarks of H.E. Ambassador LI Song at the launch event of the Vienna Chapter

 of the Group of Friends of Global Governance

(28 April 2026, VIC)

Director General Mr. Mueller,

Secretary Ms. Joubin-Bret,

Excellencies, Representatives of Vienna-based International Organizations,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Colleagues and Friends,

Welcome to the thematic event on the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which also marks the launch of the Vienna Chapter of the Group of Friends of Global Governance.

Present at today’s event are Member States joining the Vienna Chapter of the Group of Friends, other Member States that support and follow activities related to the GGI, colleagues from UNIDO, UNICTRAL, UNOV/UNODC, IAEA, CTBTO, and UNOOSA, as well as IACA, OPEC and OPEC Fund. We also invited renowned scholars from Vienna-based think tanks. On behalf of the Permanent Mission of China, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to all partners and friends who support the GGI and the Group of Friends.

Dear Colleagues,

At present, global challenges continue to mount, the global governance deficit has become more pronounced, hegemonism is rampant, multilateral mechanisms are under severe strain, and the UN find itself at a new crossroads. The GGI proposed by President Xi Jinping is highly consistent with the purposes and objectives of the UN Charter, as well as that of international organizations across various fields. It reflects the shared aspiration of the international community and the common wish of people of all countries, therefore received swift support and positive responses from more than 150 countries and international organizations.

The core message of the GGI is that we must firmly safeguard the international system with the UN at its core, and the international order based on international law. The authority of the UN must be upheld, not shaken; its central role must be strengthened, not weakened. Reforming and improving global governance does not mean overturning the existing international order, or building a parallel system outside it. Rather, it is to make existing institutions more action-oriented, more adaptive, and more responsive, so that they can effectively address global challenges and serve the interests of all countries, particularly developing countries. The global governance system must better reflect the legitimate concerns of the Global South. The representation and voice of developing countries must be strengthened. The GGI is aiming at building a global governance system that is more just and more equitable.

China calls on more UN Member States to participate in and support the GGI, and to work together to reinvigorate, safeguard and strengthen the UN. The Group of Friends of Global Governance, initiated by China, has been launched successively in New York and Geneva. UN member states are joining with enthusiasm, especially those from the Global South.

As one of the four headquarters of the UN, Vienna enjoys unique strengths in a wide range of areas, including international security, nuclear non- proliferation, the peaceful use of nuclear energy and outer space, industrial development, drug control, combating transnational crime, anti-corruption, international trade law, etc.. Here in Vienna we shoulder important mandates for the UN cause of peace and development. For various multilateral platforms in Vienna, the five core concepts of the GGI, i.e. sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, people-centered approach and action orientation, carry profound practical significance. They are poised to leave a lasting and far-reaching impact on multilateral efforts and global governance.

Dear Colleagues,

The Vienna Chapter of the Group of Friends of Global Governance is open to all UN Member States. It is an open and inclusive platform for dialogue and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and equality. It facilitates exchanges and consultations for collective wisdom, with a view to reaching common views and propositions on the basis of consensus. It will proceed in a step-by-step manner and make sustained efforts over time to explore ideas and pathways for reforming and improving the existing international system.

What is most important is that the Group of Friends will strengthen communication and coordination with Vienna-based international organizations, jointly advance the five core concepts of the GGI, and promote the Vienna multilateral cause.

The GGI is a Chinese initiative. Meanwhile, upholding all of the five core concepts of the GGI are common positions, aspirations and common cause of the UN Member States. We welcome like-minded countries to join the Group of Friends. We also welcome all the UN Member States to participate in GGI related activities like we have today.

We are open-minded to all suggestions and recommendations regarding how to promote the GGI and the Group of Friends mechanism in Vienna. I look forward to valuable inputs from all of you during today’s event.

Thank you.

Concluding Remarks

I would like to thank all of you for your participation, supports and inputs during today's event. My team and I will seriously and carefully look into all the valuable views and suggestions put forward. They will serve as valuable guidance for the work of the Group of Friends.

My major takeaways for today are as follows.

Firstly, all parties agree that the five core concepts of the GGI are totally in line with the purposes and objectives of the international organizations in Vienna, and are highly consistent with the common interests and aspirations of the UN Member States. They are of important practical significance for our joint efforts to strengthen the role and advance the work of the UN.

Secondly, expectations are high among all parties for enhanced communication and cooperation on Vienna multilateral platforms. There are shared and strong aspirations to upholding sovereign equality, abiding by the international rule of law, practicing true multilateralism, advancing a people-centered approach, and focusing on real actions. These collective efforts will not only serve the cause of global peace and development but also contribute to the reform and improvement of the global governance system.

The Group of Friends stands ready to engage with all parties that share our commitment to the GGI. Its work can take many forms, including meetings of PRs, seminars, dialogues, briefings and thematic training sessions. We welcome members of the Group to join China in co-hosting events, strengthening coordination and cooperation in key multilateral processes in Vienna, including making our voices heard, so as to bring fresh momentum to multilateralism and global governance.

Dear Colleagues,

This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Global Development Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. Over the past five years, with the joint efforts of all parties, the GDI has grown from a Chinese proposal into a global consensus, and from a concept of cooperation into rich practice, bringing vitality and momentum to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. On Vienna’s multilateral platforms, we are also ready to carry out joint activities of the two Groups of Friends, on Development and Governance, for greater synergy.

Vienna is a professional hub for global governance, and fertile ground for the practice of multilateral diplomacy. Through the Vienna Chapter of the Group of Friends, let's translate our commitment to multilateralism into concrete actions. Let's jointly champion the revitalization of the UN-centered multilateral systems. And let's press forward, together, toward building a community with a shared future for humanity.

    Thank you.