Josette Altmann-Borbón: Building a community of shared future for mankind requires joint efforts

Building a community of shared future necessitates collaborative efforts of all countries, said Josette Altmann-Borbón, Secretary General of the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO), a distinguished historian, during a recent dialogue with Guangming International Forum. She noted that the concept highlights the interconnectedness among nations and the importance of cooperation, which can enhance international exchanges and collaboration, and foster mutual development among nations.

Borbón said that the world today is grappling with unprecedented challenges, ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the global economic downturn. The current scenario is marked by complexity and volatility, with the rise of separatism and extremism posing a threat to global cooperation and stability. However, amidst these challenges, there are instances of states and individuals collaboratively addressing global, national, and regional issues, which demonstrates human resilience in the face of adversity. Despite temporary hardships, the overarching trajectory of human history has been one of progress. Borbón asserts that through dialogue and cooperation, people can find new solutions to advance in a positive and sustainable direction.

In a world of uncertainty, President Xi’s emphasis on “building a community with a shared future for mankind,” “building a global community of health for all” and “building a community of life for man and nature” is commendable, Borbón said. She believes that all countries should address global challenges with a spirit of shared responsibility and shared benefits, a spirit crucial for constructing a more equitable and sustainable world. Facing major challenges like climate change, pandemics, and organized crime in the twenty-first century, no country can stand alone. Building a community of shared future necessitates the full cooperation of all countries, this underscores the interconnectedness and importance of coordination and cooperation in strengthening international exchanges and promoting the common development of all nations.

Speaking of China-Latin America relations, Borbón highlighted the continuous development and fruitful cooperation in various fields in recent years, characterized by its comprehensive, wide-ranging, and multi-level nature, encompassing trade, investment, science, technology, and cultural exchanges, yielding significant results. The ongoing joint efforts in addressing global challenges like climate change and sustainable development underscore the importance of mutual cooperation. She noted that the Belt and Road Initiative has opened up new avenues for win-win cooperation, providing opportunities for strengthened infrastructure and connectivity. This initiative is crucial for building a community of shared future between China and Latin America, fostering mutual understanding and achieving mutual benefits and win-win results. The Belt and Road Initiative not only benefits economic and trade but also enhances cultural exchanges, playing a vital role in promoting people-to-people and academic interactions, deepening friendship, and laying a solid foundation for the future of China-Latin America relations.

Borbón said she has had the honor of visiting China, and she admires China’s significant achievements in various fields such as education, science, technology, and innovation. Looking forward, she expressed optimism about the future of China-Latin America relations, too. Borbón highlighted China’s role as a crucial trading partner and investor in Latin America, impacting the region’s economic development significantly. Borbón stressed that increased cooperation and dialogue between the two will not only strengthen economic ties but also foster cultural, academic, and people-to-people exchanges, and deepen the friendship eventually. In the face of global challenges like climate change and economic inequality, and at a time when the world continues to undergo profound and complex changes, she urged both sides to collaborate, plan the future of their relations, address these issues together, and foster a more inclusive, open, diversified, and prosperous future.