In a significant move to strengthen multilateral cooperation, the Group of Friends of Global Governance was formally established at United Nations Headquarters in New York on December 9, 2025. The initiative brings together 43 founding member countries including Cuba, Iran, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Morocco, and Malaysia, representing a collective effort to address growing challenges in international governance.
Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong, the nation’s permanent representative to the UN, announced that the group operates under the guidance of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. This marks the fourth major global initiative launched by President Xi, following previous frameworks focused on development, security, and civilization.
Ambassador Fu emphasized the timely nature of this collaboration, noting that multilateralism and the UN’s role face unprecedented strain amid what he described as ‘a new period of turbulence.’ The initiative has already garnered support from more than 140 countries and international organizations since its introduction in September 2025.
The Chinese diplomat framed the establishment within the context of the UN’s 80th anniversary, reminding attendees of the organization’s founding principles following the devastation of two world wars. He outlined five core principles anchoring the GGI: sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and emphasis on tangible actions.
Fu stressed the critical importance of preserving historical accuracy regarding World War II outcomes, warning against attempts to ‘whitewash aggression, distort history, or revive militarism.’ He called for strengthened commitment to the UN Charter’s foundational principles and emphasized the inseparable connection between security and development, particularly for developing nations seeking to bridge economic divides and achieve sustainable stability.