China to host 2026 global governance forum in Xiongan

KARACHI: China will host the 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiongan) from October 23 to 25 in Xiongan New Area, north China’s Hebei Province, bringing together prominent political leaders, strategists, academics, business executives, media professionals and youth representatives from around the world.
The Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) announced the details of the forum at a press conference on Friday, saying the event would focus on some of the most pressing challenges facing the international community.
The forum will be held under the theme “Rebuilding Confidence and Cooperation: Reforming and Improving Global Governance in a Transforming World.” According to the CPIFA, international guests from nearly 100 countries, including nations from the Global South, Europe and the Americas, have confirmed their participation.
Participants are expected to hold extensive discussions on major global issues, including the future role of the United Nations, climate change, artificial intelligence, multilateral trade, international cooperation and reform of global governance institutions.
The forum comes at a time when the international system is facing growing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, protectionist tendencies, technological transformation and climate-related challenges.
China has repeatedly called for strengthening multilateralism, improving representation of developing countries in international institutions and promoting greater cooperation among nations to address common global challenges.
The participation of representatives from diverse regions and sectors is expected to give the Xiongan forum a broader perspective on the future of international governance and the need to restore confidence between countries.
The event is also expected to provide a platform for the Global South, whose countries have increasingly sought a stronger voice in international decision-making and reform of institutions established after the Second World War.
Apart from participating in the forum, international delegates will visit Xiongan New Area, widely described as China’s “city of the future.”
Xiongan has been developed as a major national project with emphasis on smart infrastructure, green development, innovation, modern urban planning and sustainable growth. The visit will offer foreign participants an opportunity to observe China’s approach to future-oriented urban and economic development.
The choice of Xiongan as the venue also gives symbolic importance to the conference, linking discussions on global governance with concepts of development, innovation and long-term planning.
Experts believe that the effectiveness of international institutions increasingly depends on their ability to adapt to changing global realities, particularly the growing economic and political importance of developing and emerging countries.
Issues such as climate financing, artificial intelligence governance, global trade rules, sustainable development and reform of multilateral institutions are expected to feature prominently during the three-day discussions.
The forum is also expected to underline the importance of dialogue at a time when divisions among major powers and conflicts in different parts of the world have placed increasing pressure on the existing international order.
The CPIFA said the gathering would provide an opportunity for participants from different regions, professional backgrounds and generations to exchange views on how global governance could become more inclusive, effective and responsive to emerging challenges.
The outcome of the Xiongan forum will be closely watched, particularly by developing countries seeking greater participation in shaping the rules and institutions of the international system.
With representatives from nearly 100 countries expected to attend, the 2026 Global Governance Forum is likely to emerge as an important international platform for promoting dialogue, rebuilding trust and exploring reforms required for a rapidly changing world.