HONG KONG, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Irina Bokova, former director-general of UNESCO and senior advisor to the Board of Directors at the Europe-Asia Center, emphasized Tuesday that firm adherence to multilateralism and deeper international dialogue and cooperation are the only effective ways to address the growing array of global challenges.
In an interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the 2026 Hong Kong Forum on Cooperation and Development held here on Tuesday, Bokova said that no country can stand aloof from global affairs, and unilateralism has long become obsolete.
Rising geopolitical frictions and flagging multilateralist momentum have stood in the way of global peace and development, Bokova said, noting that against the backdrop of climate change, technological transformation and other pressing issues, the international community is in dire need of enhanced dialogue to foster mutual trust, build consensus and forge synergy.
"We need multilateralism, more dialogue and greater trust across the globe. We also need to prioritize prevention and mediation mechanisms," she stressed, calling for a shift in mindset and new approaches to tackle global issues.
She urged all countries to abandon the mindset of perceiving the world merely from "the lens of competition and differences," and take tangible actions to properly manage divergences and ease tensions.
Bokova spoke highly of the four global initiatives proposed by China, describing them as "a very important response of China to the need for strengthening multilateralism," and affirmed that all four initiatives are consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
The four global initiatives, she said, embody China's consistent commitment to taking proactive action, sharing development experience and practices, pursuing win-win cooperation with all nations, and advancing global sustainable development.
She added that these initiatives, especially the Global Governance Initiative, align with the vision of the UN Pact for the Future amid current global challenges. She also fully endorsed the Global Civilization Initiative, which advocates respect for the diversity of world civilizations.
Inaugurated in Hong Kong in 2025, the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) serves as an innovative supplement to the global governance system and fills an institutional vacuum in international dispute resolution. Bokova expressed hope that the body will evolve into "a truly global platform for mediation," bringing to the world the Chinese wisdom of "harmony and win-win outcomes."
IOMed has won growing international recognition. The number of signatory states to its convention has increased from 37 at its inception to 43, while the count of contracting states has risen from eight to 13.
Bokova pointed out that this platform settles international disputes on the basis of mutual respect, full consultation and equal participation in decision-making, and opposes conflict resolution via power politics or military confrontation.
Commenting on the forum, Bokova said Hong Kong holds a unique geographic edge that connects the Chinese mainland with the wider world. As China's global gateway and a key hub bridging Eastern and Western cultures, the city also streamlines cross-border business and trade flows, making it a prime destination for constructive international exchanges and dialogues.
She expressed the hope that Hong Kong can leverage its distinctive strengths, take mechanisms such as IOMed as a core platform, and help the international community, especially countries in the Global South, reap tangible benefits from improved global governance. Enditem
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