ISLAMABAD: H.E. Ambassador Jiang Zaidong on Wednesday underscored the importance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in promoting multilateralism, equitable global governance, and cooperation among developing countries, while addressing a seminar titled “SCO and the Global Governance Initiative” at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST).
Welcoming participants, the Chinese ambassador thanked NUST Rector Dr. Muhammad Zahid Latif for hosting the event and appreciated the organizing team for their efforts. Referring to his repeated visits to NUST, Ambassador Jiang said the university felt like a second home and extended early greetings to the audience on the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival, wishing them prosperity, health, and success in the Year of the Horse.
Speaking on the evolving global situation, Ambassador Jiang said the international system is undergoing profound changes marked by uncertainty, unilateralism, protectionism, and power politics. He stressed that confrontation and zero-sum approaches cannot address global challenges, adding that cooperation and solidarity remain the only viable path forward.
He highlighted that for over two decades, the SCO has upheld the “Shanghai Spirit,” based on mutual trust, equality, consultation, respect for diversity, and shared development. According to him, this spirit rejects coercion and hegemony while promoting dialogue, inclusivity, and democracy in international relations.
Ambassador Jiang also emphasized the relevance of President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative, which advocates sovereign equality, adherence to international law, multilateralism, people-centered development, and practical action. He noted that the initiative aims to address gaps in global governance by strengthening the UN-centered international system and ensuring meaningful participation of small and medium-sized countries.
Referring to the Global South, the ambassador said the SCO represents the collective rise of emerging and developing nations, covering nearly half of the world’s population. He described China and Pakistan as key members of both the SCO and the Global South, calling them pillars of regional stability and strong advocates of multilateral cooperation.
Outlining future cooperation, Ambassador Jiang said China and Pakistan would continue to strengthen mutual trust, expand people-centered development projects, deepen SCO-based security and economic cooperation, and jointly combat terrorism, extremism, and transnational crime. He also stressed the importance of innovation, digital economy, and artificial intelligence as new drivers of regional growth.
On global issues, he reiterated China’s commitment to working with Pakistan and other partners to uphold international law, safeguard the outcomes of World War II, oppose fascism and militarism, and promote a fair multipolar world order and inclusive economic globalization.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Jiang called for collective efforts guided by the “Shanghai Spirit” to build a community with a shared future for humanity. He expressed hope for the success of the seminar and reaffirmed his confidence that China-Pakistan friendship would continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.
