Intl experts emphasize role of social governance

Political parties in Global South countries are tackling evolving social challenges and advancing sustainable development by adopting innovative approaches and harnessing the strengths of their people, international experts said at a forum in Beijing on Friday.

Tariq H. Malik, professor and director of the International Center for Organization and Innovation Studies at Liaoning University, said that as artificial intelligence provides answers, societies still need institutions and narratives that generate meaningful questions, in which governance matters.

He made the remarks at a parallel session on political parties and social governance during the 2026 Think Tank Forum on National Governance in Developing Countries in Beijing on Friday.

International experts from various fields of social governance emphasized the vital role of political parties in bridging governments and society while promoting public welfare.

Yang Dongping, secretary-general of the Silk Road International Think Tank Exchange Center, said the key to China's approach to social governance lies in the Party's leadership being embedded throughout the entire governance process.

Li Xing, director of the European Research Center at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, highlighted the strengths of China's hybrid system, which aligns the State, the market and society. He noted that the system enables both long-term policy planning and the flexibility to make timely policy adjustments.

"China's experience demonstrates that multiple pathways to modernization are possible for countries in the Global South," Li said, adding that successful modernization can be achieved through institutions and development strategies rooted in a country's own history and national conditions.

Marta Montoro, chair of Catedra China of Spain, said many Western societies have faced challenges in social governance as electoral systems often prioritize short-term interests. Stressing the importance of effective social governance, she said China's people-centered approach, which promotes coordination between the public and private sectors and applies the right tools, offers valuable insights and merits further study.

Joaquin Saez, a researcher at the University of Chile, also highlighted the relevance of China's model of integrating national objectives with public welfare for Chile.

Serving as a platform for experts to share research findings and national experiences, the forum brought together specialists from countries including Algeria, Chile, Nigeria and Spain. Participants agreed that effective social governance requires the involvement of diverse stakeholders.

Speaking on grassroots governance, Wang Daoyong, deputy director general of the Department of Sociology and Ecological Civilization of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance), said strengthening social solidarity is essential to achieving broader social governance goals.

"The establishment of a Party department dedicated to social work represents a major reform in China's social governance system," Wang said.

While providing stronger support for workers in emerging forms of employment, such as couriers, food delivery riders and ride-hailing drivers, China is also leveraging these workers' close connections with communities to enhance grassroots governance, according to Wang.

Current social challenges, including digital governance, youth engagement and green development, were also discussed at the event.

Guo Bowei, an associate professor and deputy dean of the School of Peace and Development at Renmin University of China, said young people should be more actively involved in the process of social governance, in which education plays an important role.

He also emphasized the need to cultivate three types of talent: individuals with a strong sense of national identity, those equipped with professional expertise, and those with practical knowledge and experience.

lishangyi@chinadaily.com.cn