The World Aerospace Industry Alliance attends the United Nations Charter Reform Seminar, advocating for a new framework for multilateral space cooperation

Discussing the Adaptation of the United Nations Charter to 21st Century Global Challenges
World Space Industry Alliance Delegation Attends Conference

On April 23, 2026, at 9 a.m. local time, the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) held the fourth session of the series of seminars on “Global Governance, Peace, and Sustainable Development Goals,” where in-depth discussions were conducted on re-examining the theme of the “United Nations Charter” in the changing global order. Government officials, representatives of international organizations, and experts and scholars from around the world participated via video conference. Li Haolong, Chairman of the World Aerospace Industry Association (WAIA), led a delegation of 13 members to attend this seminar.

2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The seminar coincides with this historic milestone, carrying special significance. UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently stated that the current international system must reflect the evolving world, emphasizing the importance of reforming international financial and trade institutions as well as the Security Council. He stressed that the “United Nations Charter” is not a buffet but a fixed menu, which must be fully and faithfully adhered to.

Focusing on Charter Reform and Exploring New Paths for Global Governance

The seminar was hosted by Jeffrey Sachs, President of SDSN and Professor at Columbia University. Delegates engaged in in-depth discussions on the role and future direction of the “United Nations Charter” in contemporary global governance.

The key topics discussed included: first, Security Council reform, which is the most complex and challenging aspect of UN reform, involving the restructuring of international power; second, reform of veto rights, examining how to reconsider the veto power of the Security Council to prioritize peace over the interests of non-permanent members; third, strengthening enforcement authority, exploring how to implement international law through universal jurisdiction or more powerful, binding resolutions by the General Assembly; and fourth, balancing sovereignty and interdependence through cooperation among governments, enterprises, and civil society to promote collective solutions to global challenges.

Guests such as Brazil’s Chief Diplomatic Policy Advisor Ambassador Celsio Amorim, Mozambique’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Domicos Estwan Fernandes, and Nigeria’s former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiajili Ezequesi, expressed their views on reforming the global governance system and safeguarding the rights of developing countries.

Participation of the World Aerospace Industry Association Delegation

The World Aerospace Industry Association (WAIA) has completed information registration with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Li Haolong, Chairman of WAIA, stated that the current global commercial space market is experiencing a historic development opportunity, with projections exceeding one trillion dollars by 2030. WAIA is committed to promoting the peaceful use of space, technological inclusiveness, and sustainable space ecology. It calls on countries to join the multilateral cooperation framework of the alliance to jointly usher in a golden era of commercial space.

Members of the WAIA delegation include: Li Haolong (Chairman of WAIA), Huang Weihua, Yang Xiaoting, Sun Gang, Fu Ping, Sun Zhongguo, Guo Yuhan, Liu Quanzhong, Hu Hanhui, Shen Lixia, Liu Xing, Lü Zhichao, Han Lifeng. The delegates generally believe that, on the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, in-depth discussions on reforming the “United Nations Charter” are of great significance. As an important aspect of global governance, the space field requires more international cooperation and institutional innovation. As an emerging international industry organization registered with the UN ECOSOC, WAIA’s participation provides a new perspective for exploring new models of space governance.

Background of the Conference

The United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) is a global organization established under the leadership of the UN Secretary-General, dedicated to promoting the achievement of sustainable development goals. The series of seminars on “Global Governance, Peace, and Sustainable Development Goals” aims to provide a dialogue platform for the international community to explore reform paths for the global governance system. In September 2025, the UN held a seminar on Charter reform; this conference is an important follow-up component. (Source: Time Magazine US English Website)