Baku: 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.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, 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. Prodi remarked that China is becoming the world's number one economy and is preparing itself to become a global leader within the next 15 years, adding that in the future, a situation may arise where exporting to China could be challenging.
Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan, Eldor Aripov, discussed Central Asia's, particularly Uzbekistan's, relations with China and opportunities for cooperation. Economist and sinologist Josef Mondl emphasized the strategic economic objectives of China's initiatives, noting that the projects supported by China pursue a unified strategy and should not be viewed as isolated pieces.
Former UK Member of Parliament and Foreign Secretary Tobias Ellwood addressed the increasing risks in global politics and the instability of the international system. He pointed out that the world system is undergoing changes, with competition between major powers intensifying, and warned that without new international rules, this could lead to serious global confrontation.