Xu Haoliang, United Nations Assistant Secretary General, further explains global governance on a press conference after the forum on Oct. 22, 2014. (Photo/Wang Jianan)

“China is playing an important role in the development of other countries,” said Xu Haoliang, UN Assistant Secretary General and Director of the Regional Bureau of Asia-Pacific of UNDP.

He also mentioned that mechanisms such as a potential trilateral FTA between China, Japan and South Korea could enhance connectivity, competitiveness and a sense of community of the respective member states in Asia-Pacific region.

“Stronger regional integration can make a difference to global economic governance. China’s role as a committed partner in both the regional and global dialogues in this regard is therefore essential,” said Xu.

Forum participants joined the debate on these important challenges while a series of panel discussions explored development policies that can ensure a more steady economic recovery, the continuity of global resource mobilization for the implementation of post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, and the opportunities for developing countries to participate in global economic governance.

“China’s economic circumstances and rapid development experience puts it in a good position to understand development issues and assume greater responsibility as a leader of developing countries on global governance issues,” said Yang Jiemian, Chairman for the Shanghai Institutes of International Studies.

The Forum recommendations are designed to inform the global development agenda next year, when three major events are going to happen, namely the conference on sustainable financing for development, the adoption of the post-2015 agenda and COP21 climate negotiations.

A Policy Report from the Global Governance Forum will be compiled based on the key outcomes from the forum and will be published in Chinese and English early next year. It will serve as useful input for international and Chinese policy makers to draw from.