There is a need, more than ever, to uphold multilateralism, to which the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative is an important contribution, said a Chinese envoy on Wednesday.

"The world today is faced with major changes unseen in the past 100 years, and humankind faces many common challenges. At the same time, the rise of protectionism and unilateralism has placed global governance systems and multilateral mechanisms under attack. The world needs multilateralism more than ever before," said Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

Countries should jointly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, uphold the spirit of consultation, follow rules and procedures, and solve problems through collective efforts, he told a high-level plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly to commemorate and promote the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace.

Wu asked to uphold the vision of joint consultations, joint contribution and shared benefits when it comes to global governance. "We should address global challenges through multilateral cooperation and build a community of shared future for mankind."

He called for more dialogue and consultations. All parties should work together in seeking common ground while keeping differences with a view to increasing strategic mutual trust and building global partnerships, he said.

Wu asked countries to embrace the concept of common, integrated, cooperative, and sustainable security, and resolve disputes by peaceful means. The independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of countries should be respected and the representation and voice of the developing and small and medium-sized countries should be enhanced in international affairs, he said.

China's Belt and Road Initiative is an important contribution to multilateralism and international cooperation. It enriches the practice of multilateralism in the new situation, he said.

The second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation is slated for April 25-27 in Beijing. "We believe that at this forum, all parties will speak with one voice to support multilateralism and the building of an open world economy," he said.

China has always defended the international order and practiced multilateralism, said Wu.

The United Nations represents the banner of multilateralism. China looks forward to the leadership of the world body in maintaining world peace, promoting common development, and deepening international cooperation, said Wu. "China resolutely defends the authority and status of the United Nations and supports it in playing an active role in international affairs."

The UN General Assembly in December 2018 designated April 24 as the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. Wednesday's high-level meeting was the first ever commemoration by the General Assembly.