Chongqing - On the eve of the 2026 Global Human Rights Governance Forum, a distinguished group of international dignitaries and experts visited Chongqing as part of the "Human Rights Actions in China" thematic tour. Among them was Eduardo Arana, former Prime Minister of Peru, a veteran public servant and legal scholar known for his work in governance, constitutional law, and emerging technologies. During his stay in Chongqing, Arana sat down for an exclusive interview with iChongqing, sharing his observations on China’s development philosophy, whole-process people’s democracy, AI governance, and the role of Global South countries in global human rights governance.
Eduardo Arana, former Prime Minister of Peru. (Photo provided by the interviewee.)
Over the course of three days, Arana visited several sites across Chongqing, from rural revitalization practices in Liangping District to community governance models in Jiulongpo District. Through these field visits, he observed how the megacity is working to translate economic development into concrete improvements in people’s daily lives. Arana said what impressed him most was Chongqing’s integrated approach to development. In many countries, he noted, economic growth, environmental protection, cultural heritage, and social well-being are often discussed as separate issues. In Chongqing, however, he saw efforts to connect these dimensions. “I was particularly interested in the rural areas we visited,” Arana said. “Development is not understood only as infrastructure or economic growth, but also as improving people’s quality of life while preserving cultural identity and protecting natural resources.”
Drawing on his experience in public service, Arana said public policies achieve their greatest value when economic progress is transformed into tangible benefits for the people. He described this as one of the most meaningful aspects of what he had observed during his visit. During a visit to Minzhu Village, Arana remarked that the Chinese government has a democratic character that enables people to participate in decision-making. Elaborating on his understanding of China’s whole-process people’s democracy, he said democracy should not be viewed only through the lens of elections. “Democracy is also about listening, participation, dialogue, and the ability of institutions to respond to citizens’ concerns,” he said.
According to Arana, his visits allowed him to see how local communities interact with public authorities and how mechanisms have been created to channel people’s opinions and needs. He emphasized that every country develops its institutions according to its own history, culture, and social realities, meaning that democratic models may differ from country to country. “What I find valuable is any effort that strengthens communication between citizens and government and helps public decisions reflect people’s real needs,” he said. “Ultimately, legitimacy grows when people feel heard and when institutions are capable of delivering results.”
As a legal scholar who has recently focused on the intersection of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and fundamental rights, Arana also shared his views on global AI governance. He said that while human rights discussions have long focused on preventing abuses of political or economic power, the rise of artificial intelligence has introduced new and complex challenges. Artificial intelligence, he noted, is increasingly present in daily life, influencing the information people receive, the decisions they make, and the way institutions operate. For this reason, he argued, AI governance should not be treated as a purely technological issue. “The discussion about AI is not fundamentally technological. It is fundamentally human,” Arana said. “The challenge is to ensure that technological progress serves people and not the other way around.”
In his view, the major risks in the global AI field include the concentration of technological power, the widening gap between innovation and regulation, and the possibility that human judgment may gradually give way to automated decision-making. He called for global AI governance to be based on human dignity, transparency, international cooperation, and respect for the diversity of nations and societies.
Arana also reflected on the current global human rights governance landscape. He said one of the major challenges facing the international community is that the world has become increasingly interconnected, while opportunities remain deeply unequal. Although universal human rights continue to be widely discussed, many people around the world still lack access to quality education, healthcare, technology, environmental security, and economic opportunities, he said. Another challenge, he added, is ensuring that more voices are represented in global discussions. Many Global South countries have valuable experiences and perspectives to contribute, but they are not always sufficiently represented in international decision-making spaces, Arana said. He stressed that platforms such as the Global Human Rights Governance Forum are important because they provide opportunities for countries to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and build a more inclusive vision of global governance.
He said China, Peru, and other Global South countries can play a constructive role by promoting dialogue, cooperation, and practical solutions focused on improving people’s lives. Speaking about China-Peru relations, Arana said bilateral ties have grown significantly over the years and now extend far beyond trade. Cooperation between the two countries, he noted, now covers infrastructure, investment, education, culture, technology, and many other areas. “What I find particularly important is that both countries share an interest in development, modernization, and improving opportunities for their citizens,” he said.
Looking ahead, Arana said cooperation among Global South countries should focus more on future-oriented challenges, including artificial intelligence, digital governance, environmental protection, climate change, public health, and education. In the field of human rights, he said cooperation should not be limited to legal discussions, but should also involve sharing practical experiences that can improve people’s daily lives. “In the end, human rights are not only principles written in international declarations,” Arana said. “They are also reflected in people’s opportunities, dignity, well-being, and ability to build a better future.”
Eduardo Arana served as Prime Minister of Peru from May to October 2025 and is a distinguished lawyer with a specialization in constitutional law. Throughout his extensive career in public service, he has held key positions including Minister of Justice and Human Rights. He is a recognized academic and author, recently focusing his research on the intersection of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and fundamental rights. His participation in the Chongqing tour marks his second major engagement with China’s governance forums this year.