Interview: China's engagement with "Global North," "Global South" crucial to tackle global challenges -- WEF president

In a written interview with Xinhua recently, Brende said as the largest developing economy, China is also establishing its position as a bridging actor between the "Global North" and "Global South."

"China's engagement with each of these will (be) crucial as we look to end the (COVID-19) pandemic, shape a more equitable and resilient global economy, and to meet our climate objectives," said the president.

Regarding COVID-19, Brende said the pandemic illustrates what can be achieved when stakeholders come together.

"Yet, we are also seeing the consequences of not working with each other ... New variants of the COVID-19 virus that are affecting even countries with high vaccination rates is case in point that none of us are safe until we are all safe," said the president.

Saying that he is pleased that Chinese President Xi Jinping has strongly underlined that global challenges need global solutions, Brende told Xinhua that "we are all part of the same global village and we should collaborate more and deeper."

"At a time when many countries are turning inward, it is so important for leaders to look outward and identify paths toward advancing shared interests. Only through concerted action can we solve the most pressing challenges facing the world and our own countries," he added.

"This is the key lessons of the past two years of the pandemic -- that cooperation is necessary to address our priorities because the world is so interconnected," Brende said.

As to climate change, "the most urgent global challenge facing the world today," he said the last seven years have been the warmest on record and "we can already feel the effects of intense storms, heatwaves and flooding."

"This is why China's efforts to tackle climate-related issues are so important," he said.

Praising China's robust recovery from the pandemic, the president said this "offers so much promise for the trajectory of the country and for advancing broader prosperity."

Taking the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as an example of China's efforts to make global development more equitable, Brende said the BRI is "one opportunity for championing inclusive and sustainable growth around the world."

"As Professor Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, said recently, the BRI is an example of inter-regional cooperation that has the potential to be the 'greatest contributor to economic and social development ever,'" he told Xinhua.

Highlighting BRI investments in renewable sources, including solar, hydro, and wind, Brende said "in this way, China can help drive global growth that benefits both people and the planet."