The ninth Paris Peace Forum took place in the French capital from Tuesday to Wednesday, calling for reinforced multilateral cooperation to confront global challenges across security, climate, technology and development.
Held under the theme "From sovereignty to cooperation," the two-day forum gathered more than 350 global speakers across more than 80 discussion sessions. The agenda spanned four primary tracks: peace and geopolitics, the planet, development, and emerging technologies. Alongside the main event, organizers held a "Child Summit" focused on children's welfare amid global shifts.
Organizers said this year's forum was held in a backdrop of strain on multilateral institutions and international law, arguing that nations must strengthen mutual cooperation while preserving sovereignty to effectively address worldwide crises.
In a video speech delivered at the opening session, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described sovereignty as a core principle of the UN Charter, while noting that cooperation remains essential for nations to safeguard their own sovereignty. Guterres called on the international community to build a networked, multipolar world grounded in international law.
Addressing the tension between safeguarding sovereignty and pursuing multilateralism, Cui Hongjian, a professor at the Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, warned against rising unilateralism.
"Currently, some countries are pursuing many unilateralist, or even hegemonic policies. As a result, for many nations, the issue of how to enhance their own capabilities -- especially the capability to safeguard and defend their sovereignty -- has become rather urgent. On the other hand, however, the enhancement and strengthening of sovereignty should not contradict international cooperation," Cui said.
This year's forum also placed particular emphasis on cooperation regarding critical mineral resources. Experts noted that as long-standing major suppliers of mineral resources, countries of the Global South still need stronger voice and protection of their interests in international resource cooperation, calling for more open and inclusive mechanisms to help them better participate in global industrial and supply chains.
"As a representative country of the Global South, China has actually made substantial policy, financial, and industrial investments over the years, both in strengthening trade and industrial cooperation with other Global South countries and in promoting green and digital transformation," Cui said.
Launched in 2018, the Paris Peace Forum serves as an international platform for states, international organizations, and non-governmental actors to advance global governance solutions.
9th Paris Peace Forum urges global cooperation amid rising pressures on multilateralism
Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are accelerating Mexico City's shift to green transport, easing the squeeze of soaring fuel costs and choking pollution on local residents while drawing praise from drivers, commuters and city officials.
Chinese EVs now account for almost 90 percent of all battery-electric cars sold in Mexico, a dominance driven by soaring fuel costs and the city's pressing pollution problem, with vehicle emissions blamed for roughly 80 percent of Mexico City's nitrogen oxide.
Frank Velazquez, an automotive reviewer, spoke highly of the Chinese-made vehicles at a track event on the outskirts of the Mexican capital.
"I like it. I like the instant reaction from the car," he said.
Beyond performance, continuously rising gas prices give Mexican drivers another reason to make the switch, Velazquez noted, with many owners turning to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
The shift, however, reaches beyond private cars, as Chinese-made buses are playing a pivotal role in Mexico City's drive to electrify its public transport system.
"I think it's much better. I think it pollutes less," said one resident, and another shared the sentiment, recalling the heavy pollution of the old buses and describing the fully electric vehicles now on the streets as a huge step forward for Mexico City.
The city has been expanding its electric bus system for several years. During the FIFA World Cup 2026, it assembled 800 new energy buses for the tournament, more than 95 percent of them Chinese-made, with Yutong, a leading coach maker based in central China's Henan Province, accounting for 85 percent alone.
For the drivers behind the wheel, the new buses bring advantages they can feel on every route.
"The old vehicles used to break down frequently, often leaving us in a difficult spot. The new ones, however, are equipped with accessible ramps and a height lowering feature, making it much easier for the elderly to get on and off. Additionally, more seats have been designated specifically for women. There are so many benefits," said bus driver Israel Espinosa Rodriguez.
Chinese bus makers' commitment extends well beyond vehicle delivery, reaching into the day-to-day servicing of the fleet.
By dispatching engineers to Mexico to train local technicians in vehicle maintenance and repair, they are helping drive down operating costs, savings that can then be channeled into expanding the transport network and adding routes to serve more passengers.
Martin Lopez Delgado, director general of Mexico City Electric Transport Service, has much to show for what the city has achieved with the help of Chinese technology.
"We have become a model for many South American countries. Meanwhile, people from various European countries and several U.S. states have visited our electric transport system to draw upon the experience we have gained over the years," he said.
Chinese EVs drive Mexico City's green shift with performance, full-system solutions
Chinese EVs drive Mexico City's green shift with performance, full-system solutions
