Hong Kong, March 26, 2026 – Vuk Jeremić, President of the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) and former President of the United Nations General Assembly gave a speech in Hong Kong titled “The Era of Geopolitical Recession and the Road to Multilateralism: China’s Role in Building a Multilateral World Order.”
Organized by the Hong Kong Association for Foreign Exchanges and Friendship, the speech was delivered in front of prominent representatives from government, academia, business, and international organizations, focusing on the transformation of the global order, the challenges facing multilateral institutions, and Hong Kong’s potential role in fostering international cooperation.
In his remarks, Jeremić said the world is going through a prolonged period of geopolitical instability marked by declining trust, rising unilateralism, and weakening international institutions. He argued that the global system has entered a new era of multipolarity, while many of the structures of international governance remain rooted in an earlier period and are increasingly unable to respond effectively to contemporary challenges.
Jeremić emphasized that multilateralism must be renewed and adapted to present-day geopolitical realities. He also underscored the importance of education and dialogue among civilizations as essential tools for strengthening international understanding and cooperation.
Speaking about Hong Kong’s position in the emerging global landscape, Jeremić noted that the city’s unique status under the “one country, two systems” framework gives it particular relevance as a platform connecting China and the wider world. He suggested that Hong Kong could further develop its role as a hub for international exchange and multilateral engagement, including as a possible site for a future United Nations-related institution or cooperation platform in Asia.
The event was opened by Professor Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, founding chairwoman of the Hong Kong Association for Foreign Exchanges and Friendship, member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, and deputy to the National People’s Congress. She stressed the importance of preserving and strengthening the multilateral system at a time of growing global uncertainty, and highlighted Hong Kong’s strategic importance as an international financial, trade, and cultural bridge.
The follow up discussion was moderated by Dr. Huang Yushun, Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Association for Foreign Exchanges and Friendship is a civil exchange platform bringing together members from more than 20 countries and regions, with the aim of promoting international friendship, cultural dialogue, and cooperation through Hong Kong’s role as a global connector.
