Forum calls for building new type of global leadership

The world needs a new type of global leadership, according to the 2026 Global Leadership Forum which was held in Beijing on Sunday.

Hosted by the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, the forum brought together government officials, researchers and experts to discuss China’s role in driving innovation, global openness, international collaboration, and the talent needed to lead in an increasingly complex world.

"The international community is calling for the building of a new type of global leadership. This leadership does not stem from the dominance of any single country or bloc, but from a win-win approach formed collectively by the international community to address global challenges. To achieve such synergy, talent is key. The more turbulent the world becomes, the greater the need for leaders who can navigate complex situations and guide cooperative, mutually beneficial initiatives," said Ma Huaide, president of Renmin University of China.

Therefore, cultivating a large pool of outstanding talents with a global perspective, who understand international rules, excel in cross-cultural communication, and can actively participate in global governance, has become a strategic endeavor vital to a nation’s long-term development and to humanity’s shared future, Ma said.

Former Slovenian president Danilo Turk said China's leadership could be seen in global affairs through what he described as a careful and prudent approach to international issues.

He said China handled global affairs in a realistic and fair way while taking other countries into consideration, calling this a form of "quiet leadership."

"I think if one looks at the leadership of China in global affairs, we have seen demonstrations of what quiet leadership means, speaking careful measured approach to international issues, realistic without unfair, without insistence on being seen and being put in the place of leadership by others formally," he said.

Former Kyrgyz prime minister Djoomart Otorbaev said China is opening its door to the world and cultivating more talent of global leadership.

"Through the deliberate policy of high-level openness, China is positioning itself as a new global hub for talents. This is very important. And the message is clear while others close doors, China is opening them selectively, strategically and with long term intent. This policy direction is not accidental. It is embedded in a larger national framework, the 15th Five-Year Plan, which identifies high level openness as a center driver of high-quality development," he said.

Forum calls for building new type of global leadership

Egypt has ordered measures to cut electricity consumption after the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran disrupted oil and gas supplies, requiring shops to close early and roadside advertising to be switched off.

Shops and restaurants must shut at 21:00 under the new curfew, nearly four hours earlier than usual, curtailing Egypt’s peak evening business hours.

For restaurant manager Yasser Hamido, the closures mean reshuffling shifts, giving workers breaks, and rethinking how to keep the business running during shorter hours.

"We accept these measures, because we know it's important for the country. We'll just have to adapt by giving some of our workers a break and rescheduling shifts, then wait and see what happens," Hamido said.

The restrictions are already reshaping daily life. Egypt, known for its bustling streets and vibrant nightlife, is turning dark. Even billboards and public lights are being switched off. Only popular tourist destinations such as Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada on the Red Sea have been exempted.

"The latest conflict in the Middle East has led to a shortage in natural gas supplies globally, including Egypt. This, coupled with energy price hikes, have made it difficult for Egypt to import gas for electricity generation. Most of Egypt's power stations are run by natural gas," said economic analyst Hossam Gawish.

The government says the energy import bill had jumped from 1.2 billion U.S. dollars in January to above 2.1 billion U.S. dollars in mid-March, forcing it to take several measures to regulate electricity consumption and avoid power cuts.

But, the early closure of all commercial, sports and entertainment activities has been controversial. Although the government outlined the economic benefits of this decision at a critical time, it has been widely criticized by a large segment of the Egyptian population.

Most Egyptians typically spend their leisure hours in the evening, when cooler temperatures draw people outdoors. Those hours account for a significant share of economic activity, and businesses have raised alarm over potential losses from early closure requirements.

"When you reduce operating hours, it leads to a significant drop in revenue and even GDP, a drop in pay for workers and a drop in the purchasing power of Egyptians. But it's a habit. Most Egyptians have to readjust their habits to be like many countries that normally close early. It will take time however," said Gawish.

Facing public backlash, officials said the early shop-closure policy will run on a trial basis and be reassessed in May.

Egypt orders early shop closures to save power amid supply crunch