China hosts 2026 Hong Kong Forum on Cooperation and Development

The 2026 Hong Kong Forum on Cooperation and Development was held in Hong Kong, with the main theme focused on promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Around one hundred experts in international relations and global communications took part in the event.

President of China International Communications Group Chang Bo stated that cooperation and development are public goods.

"Today’s discussion focuses on two key words – cooperation and development – which truly correspond to the general trend of our time, the will of the people, and the ideological values inherited by the Chinese nation over thousands of years. [...] First, cooperation is the profound foundation of traditional Chinese culture. [...] Second, development is the goal to which New China has tirelessly aspired. [...] Third, cooperation and development are public goods that China in the new era contributes to the whole of humanity"

Chang Bo President of China International Communications Group

Speaking about the cultural roots of cooperation, Chang Bo recalled the words of President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping that the Chinese culture of harmony has a long history and includes the unity of man and nature, harmony among all nations, and unity while preserving differences. According to the President of China International Communications Group, this concept is already being implemented through the strengthening of international cooperation within the frameworks of the United Nations (UN), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and BRICS.

The forum programme featured the experience of the TV BRICS International Media Network, whose concept is based on a constructive and peace-orientated agenda, as well as themes that unite countries and peoples. This was stated by Chairman of TV BRICS Ivan Polyakov. According to TV BRICS, modern media are becoming full-fledged participants in international political processes. This makes it possible to regard the media not only as an instrument for strengthening peace, but also as an effective method of preventive diplomacy.

Developing the thesis of Han Hua, Co-founder and Secretary-General of the Beijing Club for International Dialogue, that the media are becoming a form of geopolitical infrastructure, Polyakov stressed that in the new era the key factor is a multilateral approach and the strengthening of the role of groups of equal partners such as BRICS. Polyakov noted that through the International Media Network, countries around the world can promote their national agenda, which is at the same time shaped by the media of those states.

Photo: The 2026 Hong Kong Forum on Cooperation and Development

Former Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova highly praised China’s role in reforming global governance. One of the key developments, she said, was the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Pact for the Future, which reaffirmed the central role of the organisation and called for the transformation of the governance system, increasing its transparency and inclusiveness.

"A strong response came from China with the Global Governance Initiative, launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping. [...] Such an important message from China was immediately welcomed by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who said that the global governance initiative is anchored in multilateralism and underscores the importance of safeguarding the international system with the United Nations at its core. This initiative follows three other important initiatives: the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative. All three are closely linked and support this vision of practising multilateralism, that is, cooperating and working together, rather than unilateralism, a concept that is at the core of the United Nations Charter"

Irina Bokova Former Director-General of UNESCO

The secretary-general of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), Professor Teresa Cheng, stated that mediation is a continuation of dialogue and its best practice. IOMed, an intergovernmental organisation established to resolve international disputes out of court with the assistance of a neutral mediator, began operating in October 2025.

Cheng recalled that the advantages of mediation had already been recognised during the drafting of the UN Charter. To date, 42 states have signed the convention establishing IOMed, 13 of which have ratified it. As an example, the head of the organisation cited the successful settlement of a maritime dispute related to a chain of charter agreements.

"Mediation is an extension of negotiations. [...] The Mediation Commission will bridge the emotional impasse and overcome the hurdles of the emotions and the historical background to the disputes"

Teresa Cheng The secretary-general of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed)

The forum continued with round table discussions entitled “International cooperation for improving global governance” and “Pursuing Common Development and Realising a Better Future”.