Expert Talk at BFA 2026 | President of 73rd UNGA on China's key role in world's new multilateralism

At the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026, Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, President of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, highlighted the dynamism of Asian integration and the importance of regional cooperation. "We see cooperation on all fronts—from climate change to logistics, transport, and renewable energy—as a crucial part of the new multilateralism," she said. Drawing on her experience in Latin America, she emphasized that regional mechanisms, such as Mercosur, the Central American Integration System, and CELAC, are essential to strengthening global multilateral efforts and enriching the United Nations through regional dynamics.

Espinosa noted the shifting role of the Global South in today's world. "We used to see the Global South as recipients of aid or as vulnerable regions, but that is no longer the case. Today, countries of the Global South are driving economic growth, wealth creation, and dynamic trade and supply chains. Conventional divisions of South, North, East, and West no longer fully capture the global reality," she said, calling for new perspectives on global cooperation that reflect these changes.

She also praised China's contributions to multilateralism. "China plays a key role—not just as a major economic and trade player, but as a country committed to international cooperation," Espinosa said. Its four global initiatives—the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative—demonstrate a focus on horizontal partnership. The Belt and Road Initiative, involving over 100 countries, builds not only economic and infrastructure corridors but also corridors of trust and friendship. China's leadership and partnership on these issues are truly commendable, she noted.