1st Global Governance Forum in Hebei with UN rep on refugee issue

The first Global Governance Forum was held in Xiong'an New Area, in the Chinese province of Hebei. A UN representative speaking at the event said he hopes to increase cooperation with China on refugee issues.

The forum brings together nearly 400 guests from more than 90 countries.

In the plenary session, the first speaker, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih, said more than 117 million people worldwide are displaced, with seven in ten refugees living in low and middle-income countries. He said refugee protection is an international responsibility, and called for a fairer responsibility-sharing framework.

China acceded to the Refugee Convention in 1982. Salih acknowledged China's contributions over the years and expressed willingness to cooperate in expanding refugee education and strengthening refugees' self-reliance.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees BARHAM SALIH: "China indeed has a vital role to play, in these collective efforts, including through its peace and mediation, capabilities and capacities and influence , its development experience, international partnerships, and engagements in multi lateral cooperation. I look forward to greater collaboration with China in a variety of issues of immediate interest to the neighborhood, but also beyond whether in Asia, in Africa, and beyond."

UN Under-Secretary-General for Policy Guy Ryder said the world faces widening political divisions and is off track in achieving development goals.

UN Under-Secretary for Policy GUY RYDER: "The global south represents the majority of the world's population that remains under represented in many institutions."

China's global governance initiative with its emphasis on sovereign equality, a more equitable participation, the recognition of the growing power, a necessity of the voice of the global south can help reinforce this agenda.

The forum also set up a book exhibition at the venue, where guests can pick up publications on global governance for free. Over these two days, the conference will hold 22 panel discussions, exploring topics such as international monetary system and global climate governance.