On the theme of "Multilateralism and Sustainable Development", the 2019 Imperial Springs International Forum came to a successful conclusion on December 2nd in Guangzhou.

The “Imperial Springs Statement” a call to the defence of multilateralism (Photo: Zhen Yijian)

More than 260 former world leaders, representatives from business circles, experts and scholars attended the forum and shared their view and ideas on mutual understanding and global cooperation.

"Multilateralism is the foundation of sustainable development," said Xie Yuan, Vice President of Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. "China will always support multilateralism and the global governance system led by the United Nations."

"As the organizer of the Imperial Springs International Forum, we would like to continue to listen the views and ideas about China’s development from new and old friends in an atmosphere of mutual respect." Xie added.

Former world leaders, representatives from business circles, experts and scholars shared their view on "Multilateralism and Sustainable Development". (Photo: Steven Yuen) 

"Participants of this year’s forum have highlighted the importance of prioritizing the Agenda 2030, as a framework and road map for the future," Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President of World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid indicated. "The participants also discussed ways to establish a more effective global governance system."

Ye Zhenqin, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee stated that Guangdong would like to strengthen cooperation with the rest of the world through the Imperial Springs International Forum.

Former Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei issued the "Imperial Springs Statement" during the closing ceremony.

The statement summarised the views of former world leaders and guests, stressing the importance of multilateralism and rule-based governance. They call on global governments to defend multilateralism and support the global governance system led by the United Nations.

The Imperial Springs International Forum was founded in 2014 and is co-hosted by the Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Guangdong Provincial People's Government and the World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid.

The forum aims to promote understanding and consensus among different parties through discussion of such important topics as international peace, economic development and cultural exchange, and to further regional and global cooperation.

Authors: Steven Yuen, Hannah Zhou

Editor: Simon Haywood