Islamabad: Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan, H.E. Jiang Zaidong, has emphasized the need for unity, multilateral cooperation, and inclusive global governance, urging the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to play a proactive role in addressing contemporary international challenges.

The ambassador was speaking at a seminar titled “SCO and the Global Governance Initiative” held at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). The event was attended by Rector NUST Dr. Muhammad Zahid Latif, diplomats, scholars, policy experts, and representatives from academia and think tanks. Ambassador Jiang described the seminar as timely, noting that the international system is undergoing profound transformation marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and increasing governance challenges.

Referring to the outcomes of the SCO Tianjin Summit, Ambassador Jiang said that division, confrontation, and zero-sum politics undermine global stability and prosperity. He stressed that the SCO, since its establishment over two decades ago, has consistently upheld the “Shanghai Spirit,” which is based on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and the pursuit of common development. He added that this approach offers a constructive alternative to hegemony, coercion, and power politics in international relations.

The ambassador also highlighted the limitations of the existing global governance framework, particularly the lack of adequate representation for developing and medium-sized countries. He said President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative provides a comprehensive roadmap for building a fairer and more effective international system grounded in sovereign equality, adherence to international law, multilateralism, and people-centered development. He noted that the initiative complements China’s Global Development, Global Security, and Global Civilization Initiatives, collectively aimed at promoting stability, prosperity, and mutual understanding worldwide.

Highlighting the role of the Global South, Ambassador Jiang said the SCO, representing nearly half of the world’s population, is uniquely positioned to amplify the collective voice of emerging and developing economies. He emphasized that China and Pakistan, as all-weather strategic cooperative partners and key members of the SCO, serve as important pillars of regional peace, stability, and multilateral cooperation.

As China and Pakistan mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the ambassador reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening strategic communication with Islamabad, expanding people-centric development cooperation, and implementing practical projects to further deepen the China–Pakistan community with a shared future. He stressed that enhanced bilateral trust would translate into tangible benefits for the people of both countries.

Ambassador Jiang also underlined the importance of strengthening SCO cooperation in security, economic integration, innovation, and connectivity. He said enhanced coordination against terrorism, extremism, transnational crime, and cyber threats, along with expanded trade, investment, digital economy, and artificial intelligence cooperation, would contribute to regional stability and shared prosperity.

Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Jiang reiterated China’s support for a United Nations-centered international system and an international order based on international law. He stressed the importance of collective action in addressing global challenges and expressed confidence that sustained cooperation under the SCO framework would contribute to a more just, stable, and inclusive world order. He also conveyed best wishes for the continued strengthening of China–Pakistan relations and the success of the seminar.