Wang Huiyao

Opinion | From wars to global warming, the world is crying out for collective action

Amid increased geopolitical strife, our interconnected world requires a collaborative approach on climate change, conflict, infrastructure, public health, trade, and more, to safeguard our shared home

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A boat sits stranded on the dried-up Alhajuela Lake in Colon province, 50km north of Panama City, on April 21. The scarcity of rainfall due to global warming has forced the Panama Canal to reduce the number of ships passing through the interoceanic waterway, in the midst of a water supply crisis that threatens the future of this maritime route. Photo: AFP

Wang Huiyao

Published: 3:30pm, 12 Nov 2023

In an era punctuated by escalating geopolitical strife and a burgeoning anti-globalisation sentiment, the imperative for international cooperation has vaulted to the forefront of global discourse.

This was the prevailing theme at the recent 8th China Global Think Tank Innovation Forum in Beijing, followed immediately by the European-Union-funded EU-China Think Tank Exchanges. The sense of urgency for collective action was palpable among the attendees, which included a diverse assemblage of over 100 think-tank representatives from more than 20 countries and regions.

As president of the Centre for China and Globalisation, which hosted the events with partners including the European Policy Centre, I had the opportunity to propose a framework of cooperation, designed to mend fissures among nations and initiate a united front to safeguard our shared home. Here are the 10 imperatives:

First, climate. The spectre of climate change looms large over humanity, challenging us to transcend mere conversation and take concerted action.

Despite the complex web of industrial policies, subsidies and commitments, particularly those by developed nations to their developing counterparts, the necessity for a collaborative approach to “de-risk” our planet is undeniable. It is incumbent on all nations to foster an environment conducive to finding solutions to this universal menace.

Second, conflict. In the shadow of the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, the call for peace resonates with an urgency that transcends borders and political divides. The tragedies and suffering in the areas of conflict are stark reminders of the devastating toll of war on the global community.