Beijing: The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) should take the lead in fostering economic cooperation and shared prosperity in the region by prioritizing multilateralism and collaborating on critical issues like climate action, supply chain stability, and digital standards, according to Ban Ki-moon, chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia and former UN secretary-general.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Ban, in a recent interview with Xinhua ahead of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, expressed optimism that the summit would yield practical, forward-thinking outcomes and infuse new momentum into global development and cooperation. This marks the first time in two decades that South Korea is hosting the meeting, following the 2005 session in the southeastern port city of Busan.
APEC, established in 1989, has been a vital platform for regional economic cooperation, advocating for free and open trade and investment, empowering developing economies, and supporting sustainable growth. Ban cautioned that multilateralism, crucial for creating a more peaceful, just, and sustainable future, is increasingly under pressure.
Ban highlighted Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative, introduced at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin this year, as timely. The initiative emphasizes fairness, inclusiveness, respect for sovereignty, and promotes cooperation on pressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, digital transformation, and public health. Ban noted that it also energizes the Global South politically.
In the context of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations this year, Ban remarked that the initiative complements the UN80 Initiative. By combining these efforts, it could enhance the legitimacy of the multilateral system, better mobilize resources, technology, political will, and bridge the divide between developed and developing nations to create a fairer and more responsive governance framework.
Ban cautioned against the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, which threaten the spirit of international cooperation that underpins the United Nations. He emphasized that China can play an “independent and constructive” role in defending multilateralism and advancing global governance reform.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the world’s second-largest economy, China has facilitated cooperation through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and active participation in peacekeeping missions. These efforts have amplified the voice of the Global South and made global governance more representative.
Ban also highlighted China’s ongoing investment in renewable energy, technological innovation, and public health cooperation, which has enabled the provision of global public goods. He concluded that China’s leadership in climate action, digital governance, and public health illustrates that global challenges can only be overcome through collaboration.