Distinguished Lecture by Prof. Siddharth Chatterjee - China, the Asia-Pacific, and the New Multilateralism: Leading Through Fragmentation
Supporting the below United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:支持以下聯合國可持續發展目標：支持以下联合国可持续发展目标：
Dear Colleagues and Students,
The Division of Public Policy (PPOL) is pleased to invite you to a Distinguished Lecture on the topic of "China, the Asia-Pacific, and the New Multilateralism: Leading Through Fragmentation" on 13 April 2026. We are privileged to host Prof. Siddharth Chatterjee, Chief Executive Officer of Global Neighbours; Former UN Resident Coordinator in China and Visiting Professor of Tsinghua University for the talk. Please find the detailed information below.
Abstract:
We are living through a "polycrisis" where the traditional levers of global governance are stalling. As the world grapples with geoeconomic fragmentation and the risk of a "New Cold War," the relationship between China and the rest of the world has become the defining axis of 21st-century stability. In this Distinguished Lecture, Siddharth Chatterjee explores how the Asia-Pacific—led by the complex interplay of China’s global rise—can move from a site of competition to a cornerstone of a revitalized international system. Drawing on his tenure as the UN Resident Coordinator in China (2021–2026) and his upcoming course at Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University, Chatterjee argues that "Old Power" structures are insufficient for "New Era" challenges. He posits that a new generation of leaders must emerge—leaders who possess the "warrior's discipline" but act with the "diplomat's empathy."
The lecture will examine:
• The China-Global South Nexus: How regional cooperation can provide a blueprint for global solidarity.
• The Technology Frontier: Navigating the ethical and polarized landscape of AI and green tech.
• The Human Element: Why compassion, dignity, and shared humanity (the Ubuntu philosophy) are pragmatic tools for hard-nosed diplomacy.
Chatterjee offers a roadmap for navigating a polarized world, suggesting that the path forward lies in a "Multilateralism 2.0" that is inclusive, empathetic, and anchored in the Asia-Pacific’s unique capacity for innovation and resilience.
Biography:
Siddharth Chatterjee is the Chief Executive Officer of Global Neighbours. A career public servant with 42 years of experience, he served three decades in the United Nations, most recently as the UN Resident Coordinator in China. He is also a visiting professor at Tsinghua University, where he will teach a course on "China and the World." A former officer in the Indian Army’s Special Forces and a graduate of Princeton University, he has been recognized as an "Impact Legend" (https://youtu.be/cdZJxkt_Rgk?is=_Sz0dRotKpFebA_S) by the Rockefeller Foundation for his work in humanitarian and development leadership. He is also widely recognized for his work in humanitarian demobilization of child soldiers and an advocate for health and wellbeing.
Please register with the following link: https://ust.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0p3jFtYy3BTWr9Y
We look forward to your participation and hope to see you soon!
Division of Public Policy
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Siddharth Chatterjee is the Chief Executive Officer of Global Neighbours. A career public servant with 42 years of experience, he served three decades in the United Nations, most recently as the UN Resident Coordinator in China. He is also a visiting professor at Tsinghua University, where he will teach a course on "China and the World." A former officer in the Indian Army’s Special Forces and a graduate of Princeton University, he has been recognized as an "Impact Legend" (https://youtu.be/cdZJxkt_Rgk?is=_Sz0dRotKpFebA_S) by the Rockefeller Foundation for his work in humanitarian and development leadership. He is also widely recognized for his work in humanitarian demobilization of child soldiers and an advocate for health and wellbeing.