Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  From 2 to 4 December 2024, the annual international conference "Understanding China 2024" was held in Guangzhou, China, under the theme "Carrying Reforms to the End — Chinese Modernization and New Opportunities for World Development."

The event, organized by the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, brought together political figures, scholars, experts, business representatives, and media professionals from Asia, Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and the CIS, totaling over 600 participants.

President Xi Jinping of China addressed the conference participants, emphasizing the rapid transformations occurring worldwide. "Countries are not only facing new risks and challenges but also gaining new opportunities for development. China is interested in collaborating with other nations to create conditions conducive to growth, actively respond to various challenges, and facilitate modernization across the globe," said the Chinese leader.

Participants also held a separate meeting with Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council and a member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China.

The event featured a comprehensive agenda, including two plenary sessions, six parallel seminars, and 14 thematic forums.

At the fifth parallel seminar, dedicated to the prospects for Global South cooperation, Bakhtiyor Mustafayev, Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISRS) under the President of Uzbekistan, delivered a presentation. He focused on several pressing issues related to strengthening cooperation among Global South countries.

Firstly, Mustafayev emphasized the importance of reinforcing commitment to the fundamental principles of the "Bandung Spirit." According to him, it is crucial to firmly adhere to core principles such as mutual trust, racial equality, respect for territorial integrity, rejection of aggressive policies, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

"Uzbekistan, based on the principles of equality, mutual consideration of interests, and reasonable compromise, has managed to foster a new political atmosphere in Central Asia," noted the ISRS representative.

Secondly, Mustafayev highlighted the need for Global South economies to adapt to the growing negative impacts of the global crisis. He pointed out that despite having significant resources and potential, these countries remain vulnerable to economic challenges such as sanctions, protectionism, and uncontrolled inflation. In this regard, Uzbekistan advocates for improving the existing international trade system, ensuring that the "Voice of the Global South" is heard, and creating conditions to unlock the potential of developing nations.

Thirdly, the deputy director stressed the urgency of enhancing cooperation to ensure food security. Global South countries, which produce 60% of the world’s agricultural output, are particularly affected by the food crisis.

In this context, the formation of sustainable food production and delivery systems, the harmonization of technical regulations for intraregional trade, and the establishment of a comprehensive food security monitoring system in Global South countries were deemed essential.

Fourthly, Mustafayev underscored the priority of consolidating efforts to improve the effectiveness of climate change mitigation. Analysis shows that the technological gap between developed and developing countries continues to widen during the transition to a green economy. In this regard, the President of Uzbekistan has proposed the creation of an information bank of green technologies and innovations for the Global South, supported by leading world nations.

Finally, Mustafayev noted the significant role of cultural and humanitarian ties in deepening cooperation among developing countries.

He highlighted that in 2021, under a Presidential Decree, Uzbekistan revived the Tashkent International Film Festival, "The Pearl of the Silk Road," which has been actively attended by countries from Asia, Africa, and Latin America since 1976.