Upholding ideals and purpose of UN vital to realizing community with a shared future

In a world fraught with volatility, every nation shares the responsibility of upholding common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and development.

As Premier Li Qiang said in his speech addressing the 80th session of the UN General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday, by respecting the legitimate concerns of all countries and resolving disputes through dialogue, we can avoid the pitfalls of confrontation and conflict.

This year’s session comes at a significant moment in history — the 80th anniversary of victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the UN. These are not just dates on the calendar; they are occasions to remember the sacrifices made by countless men and women who fought fearlessly for peace. Their courage and vision laid the foundation for a postwar world that is striving for peace, justice and equitable development.

The founding of the UN initiated a journey toward a new international order where peace and development are paramount. And despite numerous challenges, the UN has been instrumental in fostering an unprecedented period of relative peace, development and prosperity.

Reflecting on the past 80 years, we can draw some key inspirations.

The aspiration for peace and development is still generally universal: While the shadows of war have never fully disappeared, humanity’s shared quest for peace and development remains unyielding. Today, as the desire for peace intensifies worldwide, it is our duty to strengthen efforts toward this noble goal.

The second aspiration is the power of solidarity and cooperation. As Li said, “solidarity lifts everyone up, while division drags all down”. The spirit of cooperation has weathered numerous global challenges, and solidarity has proved to be one of the most powerful forces for progress. As we navigate an increasingly complex world, it is essential that nations work together in good faith, pooling their strengths to overcome any obstacle. History shows that in times of division, the world falters; united, it thrives.

And the third is the pursuit of fairness and justice: The past 80 years have seen the dismantling of colonial systems and the strengthening of international law, underscoring people’s pursuit of fairness and justice in global affairs. Upholding justice ensures stability and prosperity for all. True multilateralism, through which all countries are treated as equals, is crucial for protecting the rights and interests of every nation and all peoples.

The world now stands at a crossroads in history. The challenges are daunting. Unilateralism and outdated Cold War mentality threaten the international order painstakingly built over decades. It is vital, as Premier Li rightly said, that we remember the ideals that inspired the UN’s founding and resist the forces that seek to undermine them.

In this context, China has consistently upheld the role of the UN and is playing an active role in international affairs.

The challenges humanity faces are interconnected and complex, requiring a collective effort grounded in mutual respect and shared goals. It is crucial that countries recommit to upholding the ideals of the UN Charter.

The pursuit of peace, progress and development should be the shared mission uniting the world’s people in common cause. Striving to create a safer and more sustainable future for humanity, China is ready and willing to collaborate with all nations to promote peace, development and mutual understanding. [Abridged]

Editorial, China Daily