Danilo Turk, former president of Slovenia and president of the World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid, delivers a speech at the 2025 Imperial Springs International Forum. CHINA DAILY

The 2025 Imperial Springs International Forum served as a dynamic platform for in-depth exchange and learning among individuals from diverse fields, building a bridge for global communication, officials said.

Ban Ki-moon, the eighth secretary-general of the United Nations and chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, highlighted the forum's critical role in an era marked by overlapping crises and rising uncertainties.

He noted that the forum's theme, "For Global Cooperation and Solidarity", was timely, advocating for consensus-building through mutual understanding and dialogue.

He stressed the urgent need to mend trust and eliminate estrangement and division in the international community, as well as strengthening the foundation for cooperation to collectively safeguard world peace, promote sustainable development, and benefit future generations.

Ban also underscored the importance of advancing UN reform and revitalizing the multilateral system. He argued that multilateralism must evolve with the times, suggesting that future global governance should transcend rigid treaties and focus on building a more adaptable cooperation network based on trust and inclusiveness.

Rosen Plevneliev, former president of Bulgaria, said that in an era when cooperation and trust are paramount, the Imperial Springs International Forum stands as a beacon, symbolizing open, transparent and constructive exchanges, and illuminating the path toward global win-win cooperation.

He said he was deeply inspired by the forum's visionary insights and positive effect, and expressed confidence that through dialogue and cooperation, shared ideals can be translated into tangible achievements for global development.

Danilo Turk, former president of Slovenia and president of the World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid, described this year's forum as an event of profound significance. "The unipolar era has concluded, prompting us to thoughtfully reflect and diligently work toward constructing a comprehensive framework that not only fosters international cooperation and shared responsibilities but also explores innovative forms of global collaboration," he said.

Turk emphasized that this process is closely connected to everyone on the planet, with the forum playing a vital role in assisting this global engagement.

Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle, former president of Chile, highlighted the forum's special significance for Chile. "About three-fourths of our country's economic growth, development achievements and GDP are intricately linked to international trade," he said.

He underscored that the international community is grappling with significant challenges, and it is essential to view the world pattern from a global perspective and understand the diverse realities. Whether considering major powers, middle-income countries, nations like Chile, or the broader Latin America region, there is an urgent need to enhance international cooperation.

Han Seung-soo, former prime minister of South Korea and vice-president of the World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid, mentioned that the forum addressed critical global issues such as sustainable development and artificial intelligence.

"We must redouble our efforts to effectively advance the implementation of the goals set forth in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was adopted at the 2015 UN summit," he said.

Maria Fernanda Espinosa, president of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly and a former minister of foreign affairs of Ecuador, said that in today's world, dialogue, international cooperation, mutual understanding and sound preventive diplomacy are more crucial than ever.

Marking the forum's 10th session this year, Espinosa expressed her honor in participating and emphasized the significance of this year's event.

"This year, more than ever before, we need platforms like the Imperial Springs International Forum, which are essential for facilitating discussions on addressing the world's current challenges," she noted.