Serbia's China Dialogue Conference pushes for global governance reform

Belgrade hosted the fifth China Dialogue Conference, which was attended by more than 140 participants from 37 countries to debate the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). 

The event, co-organized with China's Institute of International Studies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on promoting a shared future, strengthening the role of the United Nations, and ensuring greater equity in the international order.

The gathering coincided with the welcome ceremony for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, held only a few hundred meters away, underscoring Serbia's delicate balancing act between east and west in its foreign policy.

Systemic shortcomings

Inside the conference hall, scholars warned of systemic shortcomings in the existing world order. 

"The first problem is that the representation of countries in the Global South, particularly developing countries and emerging market economies, is not adequately met," explained Zhang Weipeng, Deputy Director at the Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy Studies Centre.

"The second problem is that the purposes and principles of the United Nations are not effectively upheld, thus eroding its authority. The third and most prominent problem, in my opinion, is the ineffectiveness of the international rule of law," he added.

China's growing role in shaping global governance was a central theme. Many participants pointed to its development model, rapid infrastructure expansion, and poverty reduction as evidence of what GGI aims to achieve. 

Key principles

"About these five principles found in this initiative – the whole world should think positively at a time when everyone is thinking about war and weapons," noted Branislav Dordevic, Director of the Institute of International Politics and Economics in Belgrade. 

"Instead of thinking about peace and development, the world is on the verge of collapse. They should look at these principles, and then we would have this ideal society," he added.

The emphasis on development and connectivity resonated strongly with delegates from the Global South. 

"The world needs to be one and that China is taking the lead is  commendable. Sometimes, I want to term China as the big brother of the world, because they have helped to bring countries, especially African countries, the BRIC countries, up to state with them," said Ako Abbah, Assistant Director at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Nigeria.

Conference participants also pointed to specific projects as proof of China's approach to international cooperation. 

Serbia's modernized rail link to Budapest, built with Chinese support, was highlighted as a prime example of the connectivity and cross-border development central to the GGI vision.