Shared future for mankind promoted as participants gather at international forum

Focusing on global hot topics, the two-day 2024 Imperial Springs International Forum concluded in Madrid, Spain, on Thursday, attracting more than 200 participants from the political, academic and business circles across around 50 countries to engage in in-depth exchanges under the theme of Collective Action for One Future.

Jointly organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association, the Guangdong provincial government and the World Leadership Alliance — Club de Madrid, this year's forum encompassed more than 10 significant events, including an opening ceremony, two closed-door sessions, a plenary discussion, six thematic sessions and a closing ceremony.

Topics dwelled upon include Global Strategic Stability; Financing for Development. Towards Full Implementation of the SDGs; Enhancing Global Cooperation: Shaping a Shared Future for Humankind; Traditional and Non-Traditional Challenges to Global Security; Tackling Challenges Facing the World Economy; United Nations Summit of the Future, the Future of Global Governance; AI & Green Technology for Progress and Development; Sustainable Development and the Second World Social Summit; and People-to-people Exchanges for Mutual Understanding.

Yang Wanming, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said that the world is entering a period of new turbulence and transformation. "Countries should continuously build consensus and promote partnerships, adhering to the fundamental principles of international relations based on the United Nations Charter. Upholding the international order based on international law, we should seize opportunities and address challenges through unity and cooperation, continuously promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and bringing together strength for a better future."

Chau Chak Wing, president of the Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association, delivers a speech at the 2024 Imperial Springs International Forum. CHINA DAILY

Yang noted that the ISIF event once again proves that only through collective action, a shared future can be created and that all countries, regardless of size or strength, should uphold the principle of harmony in diversity, embrace an inclusive mindset of "each beauty has its own way".

Since its inauguration in 2014, nine sessions of ISIF have been held, with this session being held in Madrid. It is the first time the event has ever been held outside China, marking a significant milestone.