Multilateralism and global partnership are critical to building a new world order that will ensure people reach the future they desire, agreed the attendees of a top-level international forum in Conghua district of Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province, Monday.

More than 260 former heads of state or government, leaders of international organizations, academic experts and entrepreneurs attended the 2019 Imperial Springs International Forum on Sunday and Monday. This edition of the forum highlighted the issues of multilateralism and sustainability.

"The international community must actively defend multilateralism, support the United Nations' essential multilateral system, and take effective collective measures to enhance and strengthen global partnership," said Vaira Vike-Freiberga, former president of Latvia and president of the World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid.