Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has praised China’s leadership in global governance, calling for jointly building a better world. The former UN chief made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 2017 Imperial Springs International Forum held Tuesday and Wednesday in China’s southern city of Guangzhou, where 20 members of the World Leadership Alliance – Club de Madrid gathered to exchange their views on global governance. Ban said he was inspired by the idea of building a community of shared future for mankind proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which could help reshape global governance, as some state leaders chose to become “national leaders” rather than “global leaders” by “erecting walls” instead of “building bridges”. Praising the Belt and Road Initiative as part of China’s efforts in implementing the ambitious plan to build a community of shared future for mankind, he said the initiative will bring countries closer and more connected. Proposed by Xi in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa on and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes. It comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. “This is a very good way to have inclusive and interconnected dialogue and mutual cooperation within the region, which is very helpful for global development,” he said. “I really hope this Belt and Road Initiative will bear fruitful results.” Ban expressed his gratitude for China’s leadership and resolution in combating climate change, recalling that the process of ratifying the Paris Agreement was greatly accelerated after China ratified the agreement in September 2016 and was quickly followed by as many other countries. “I really hope that President Xi Jinping will keep leading a global campaign to make sure the Paris climate change agreement is fully implemented,” he added.
However, Ban said he is “deeply disturbed and even angry” at the decision of the United States to quit the agreement, which he believed is “politically short-sighted and scientifically wrong.” Commenting on jointly building a better international community, the former UN chief called on all nations to further engage in global governance on international, regional and national levels, especially with the efforts of the young people. “A transparent, accountable and responsible governance system will help our world to be a peaceful and prosperous place and ensure all the people be respected,” he concluded. The Imperial Springs International Forum was jointly initiated by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association in 2015, aiming at promoting mutual understanding and trust between China and the rest of the world, and discussing important international and regional issues.