Mushahid Hussain urges Global South to shape new world order

Former senator Mushahid Hussain Syed has called for a greater role for developing countries in shaping the future international system, saying the

Former senator Mushahid Hussain Syed has called for a greater role for developing countries in shaping the future international system, saying the existing global order is losing relevance because of unequal standards and changing geopolitical realities.

Speaking at the World Peace Forum hosted by Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, Hussain said the time had come for the Global South to play a leading role in building a more balanced and inclusive international order.

He said the global system established after the Second World War was facing increasing challenges. According to him, the existing order has failed to provide equal treatment to all nations and has weakened because of selective application of international rules.

The forum brought together nearly 100 participants from around 30 countries, including diplomats, former ministers, academics and policy experts. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng delivered the opening address before international speakers discussed issues related to peace, security and global cooperation.

Several participants at the conference praised Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and described the country’s recent role in regional peace efforts as constructive. They said Pakistan had contributed to promoting dialogue and stability in South Asia and the Middle East.

During his address, Hussain highlighted the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. He described the relationship as a unique strategic partnership that has continued to grow stronger over the decades.

He said the friendship between Islamabad and Beijing has developed into an “Iron Brotherhood” based on mutual trust, political support and long-term strategic cooperation. He added that the relationship remains unmatched in many aspects of modern international diplomacy.

Hussain said the Pakistan-China Strategic Work Plan for 2026-2030 provides a comprehensive roadmap for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, infrastructure, security and regional connectivity.

Praising China’s development, he said the country had risen to become one of the world’s leading powers through peaceful economic growth. He noted that China achieved its global position without pursuing aggression, military occupation or colonial expansion.

He also referred to China’s increasing diplomatic influence in international affairs, saying Beijing has played an important role in promoting dialogue and encouraging peaceful solutions to regional disputes.

Speaking about recent regional developments, Hussain said China’s diplomatic approach had earned the confidence of different countries during periods of tension in the Gulf and wider Middle East.

He also discussed regional organisations, comparing the performance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

According to Hussain, ASEAN has remained successful because its members respect equality and mutual cooperation despite differences in size and economic strength. He said SAARC, on the other hand, has faced repeated challenges that have limited its effectiveness and regional integration.

Hussain concluded his address by recalling one of his earliest visits to China during the early 1970s as a university student. He quoted former Chinese leader Mao Zedong’s famous words, saying determination is the key to overcoming difficult challenges.

During his visit, Hussain also chaired a dialogue organised by the International Department of the Communist Party of China. The meeting included representatives from Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Cambodia and China, who discussed governance, development and poverty reduction.

Addressing the conference, Hussain praised China’s poverty alleviation programme. He said the country had lifted nearly 800 million people out of poverty over the past four decades through sustained economic growth and long-term development policies.

He added that China’s achievement in eliminating absolute poverty offers valuable lessons for developing countries seeking inclusive economic progress.

The conference in Ningxia was attended by around 150 politicians, researchers, media representatives and policy experts from Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and North America.