I. Introduction

This section introduces the goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind and the roadmap of the Four Major Initiatives proposed by China in the context of the new era. It elaborates on the significant importance of the Four Major Initiatives and the multifaceted research conducted by the academic community. It emphasizes the crucial role of international organizations in fostering international consensus and advancing the Four Major Initiatives, pointing out that China should prioritize the pathways through which international organizations can promote these initiatives.

II. The Significant Value of International Organizations in Advancing the Four Major Initiatives

This section delves into the pivotal role of international organizations in advancing the Four Major Initiatives, highlighting how international organizations facilitate the transformation of these initiatives from national proposals into international consensus through their normative channels, multilateral approaches, and institutional platforms. International organizations play a vital role in shaping norms by promoting the formation and internalization of international standards through declarations, conventions, and other means, as exemplified by the United Nations' leadership in areas such as peace, security, and human rights protection. Additionally, as embodiments of multilateralism, international organizations provide multilateral and agenda-driven pathways for implementing the Four Major Initiatives, enabling collective action to address global challenges. Furthermore, leveraging their institutional structures and operational capacities, international organizations offer a solid foundation for implementing the Four Major Initiatives. Their multi-layered institutional frameworks and expertise across specialized domains contribute to advancing the internationalization and professionalization of these initiatives.

III. The Alignment Between the Four Major Initiatives and the Mission of International Organizations

This section explores the alignment between the Four Major Initiatives and the mission of international organizations, emphasizing the significance of the initiatives for international organizations, the positive feedback from international organizations, and the robust foundation for cooperation between China and international organizations. In the 21st century, the world faces numerous challenges, such as uneven development, security governance dilemmas, impediments to cultural exchanges, and multiple deficits in global governance, leaving international organizations struggling to address these crises effectively. China’s Four Major Initiatives support the central role of international organizations from various dimensions, advocate adherence to the United Nations Charter, encourage greater contributions from international organizations in global affairs, inject new energy into their missions, and advance international agendas. The core themes of the Four Major Initiatives resonate with the missions of international organizations like the United Nations, complementing and enhancing the normative framework of global governance. International organizations have highly commended the Four Major Initiatives, with senior figures such as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterrez expressing support and recognition. Initiatives like the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative have garnered widespread backing from numerous countries and international organizations and have been integrated into multilateral cooperation documents and agendas. China and international organizations share a longstanding history of positive interactions and cooperation. Since restoring its seat in the United Nations, China has actively participated in the activities of international organizations, promoting the dissemination and practice of global governance concepts, evolving from an observer to a contributor and leader, and providing a solid platform for advancing the Four Major Initiatives.

IV. Pathways for International Organizations to Advance the Four Major Initiatives

This section explores the critical role and pathways of international organizations in advancing the Four Major Initiatives. The alignment between international organizations and the Four Major Initiatives in terms of goals, concepts, and principles makes them practical channels for China to implement these initiatives. China should leverage the frameworks of international organizations to advance the initiatives at the normative, agenda-setting, and institutional levels. At the normative level, efforts should focus on disseminating the Four Major Initiatives, fostering international consensus, and shaping international norms. This involves promoting the shared core values between the initiatives and international organizations, expanding communication channels such as supporting Chinese nationals in securing positions within international organizations, hosting events for international organizations, and attracting international organizations to establish a presence in China. It also includes internalizing the initiatives within the framework of international organizational diplomacy, with the United Nations system as the core platform, while emphasizing their promotion within non-governmental international organizations. At the agenda-setting level, aligning with and participating in international agendas is crucial for implementing the initiatives. The topics of the Four Major Initiatives overlap with and complement the agendas of international organizations. China should assess the goals, purposes, and diverse needs of international organizations, selecting urgent and widely agreed-upon issues to align agendas, such as linking development initiatives with the United Nations development agenda, security initiatives with international peace and security agendas, and cultural initiatives with platforms like the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. Joint efforts should be made to develop plans and programs for implementing the initiatives. At the institutional level, strengthening institutional development lays the groundwork for implementing the initiatives. China should utilize and upgrade existing institutions, such as cooperation funds and forums in development, security, and cultural fields, while also establishing new international cooperation platforms aimed at implementing the initiatives to facilitate coordinated action. Additionally, refining and enhancing the “China + Regional Mechanisms” framework to implement the Four Major Initiatives, as well as creating specialized global initiative organizations and institutional platforms under the “China + International Organizations” framework, is essential.

V. Conclusion

This section emphasizes the critical role of international organizations in advancing the Four Major Initiatives, highlighting their strengths in building consensus, setting agendas, and promoting action, as well as their alignment with the initiatives. It also mentions the foundation and potential for cooperation between China and international organizations, stressing that in the current international landscape, China’s collaboration with international organizations to advance the Four Major Initiatives can help revitalize global governance. China should leverage the frameworks of international organizations at the normative, agenda-setting, and institutional levels to integrate Chinese ideas, initiatives, and solutions into the work of international organizations, turning them into guiding principles for global governance and international cooperation.