Donald Trump may have a point in highlighting the UN’s ability to address global challenges. However, the antidote to stunted multilateralism isn’t abandoning the concept altogether, but inclusive reforms that empower countries that lack representation.
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Besides its New York headquarters, the UN has three large secretariat hubs in Nairobi, Vienna and Geneva, but few offices located in Asia, a continent with around 60 per cent of the world’s population. Bangkok does serve as a de facto Asia-Pacific hub for various UN entities. However, Thailand’s recent history of political turmoil might cast doubts over Bangkok’s suitability as a major UN hub. Nevertheless, diversification is key.
With its Global Governance Initiative, China seeks to provide global leadership based on principles of “sovereign equality” and “people-centred” leadership.
If Beijing is serious about positioning the country as an emerging pillar of global governance, it should tap into Hong Kong, the only city on its soil that officially adopts English as one of its official languages, practises common law and administers extremely low corporate taxes. After all, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu seeks to strengthen Hong Kong’s international engagements, from supporting the overseas presence of Chinese talent, capital and products to attracting global talent.
The International Organisation for Mediation is an example of Hong Kong’s potential. It’s the first-of-its-kind institution in the city, tapping into a robust common law tradition and a free flow of data and information.
A pedestrian takes a picture of what will be the International Organisation for Mediation’s Hong Kong headquarters, at the site of the old Wan Chai Police Station, on June 1. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Hong Kong can build on this momentum to support China’s engagement with the UN, for which China is the second-largest donor; Beijing pays 20 per cent of the organisation’s budget. As a long-time Hong Kong resident from Switzerland recently told me, rather than fixating on how to tell China’s story to the world, the city should bring the world to China.
