(Editor’s Note: This article reflects the views of the author, Karim Badolo, and not necessarily those of CGTN.)
The general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly opened at UN headquarters in New York on September 23. Throughout the intense discussions, terms such as “divergence” and “dispute” frequently surfaced in public discourse. In his speech, UN Secretary-General António Guterres bluntly stated that multilateralism is “under attack,” emphasizing that “international cooperation is not naïve.” Behind these divergences lies a global governance deficit and an urgent need to reform and improve that governance.
The Global Governance Initiative comes at a timely moment. Introduced at the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in early September, the initiative highlights the following principles: respect for sovereign equality, adherence to international law, commitment to multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and a focus on concrete action. Chinese Premier Li Qiang reiterated these principles during the high-level debate at the UN General Assembly, stressing that the initiative offers a meaningful path toward a fairer and more equitable global governance system.
Launched in the wake of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the end of World War II, the Global Governance Initiative stands as a symbol of peace promotion worldwide. While the world remains plagued by multifaceted threats, echoes of hegemonism, and isolationism, peace remains an ideal worth pursuing at all costs. As the initiative’s first principle suggests, it is essential to recognize and respect the sovereignty of all nations. The voices of all countries—large or small, rich or poor—deserve to be heard. Each nation should be free to determine its own path without being subjected to the dominance of any power. It is through this spirit of mutual respect that global governance can become inclusive and serve all. In this regard, countries of the Global South must be better heard, having long suffered from a unilateral vision of the world. Often excluded from decision-making circles, it is time to open new perspectives for the Global South in today’s global context.
The initiative advocates compliance with international law. It is evident that the Global South is underrepresented in international institutions. How can global governance be fair when many countries have no voice in the process? Africa, for instance, is absent from the permanent members of the UN Security Council, even though many of its decisions directly affect the continent. These injustices must be addressed to significantly improve global governance. Emerging economies have risen, yet they remain disadvantaged in international markets. These outdated structures must be dismantled to ensure fair economic and trade exchanges. Global governance must open pathways for all nations.
Adherence to international law also requires abandoning unilateral approaches on the global stage. The initiative calls for unwavering commitment to multilateralism—a fundamental principle to ensure that governance reflects the interests of all parties. No nation should be subjected to the dictates of others simply because it is poor or small. Dialogue, consultation, and consideration of all interests must be prioritized. In this light, it is crucial to strengthen the role of institutions like the UN and make them more democratic so that all nations can participate in decisions related to global governance. Regional and subregional organizations should also be engaged to promote multilateralism on a global scale.
What would global governance be if humanity were not at its core? This is why the initiative urges a people-centered approach. Issues such as health, education, food security, and freedom of movement deserve special attention within global governance. The well-being of individuals must be the top priority in decision-making bodies worldwide. The future of humanity depends on the care we provide to people. Peace cannot be discussed in a world where people lack access to quality education, struggle to receive medical care, feed themselves, or move freely. Global governance must serve humanity—otherwise, it will have no resonance.
The initiative calls for moving beyond wishful thinking to promote concrete action. As the saying goes, “great problems require great remedies.” Humanity’s shared challenges demand a global approach to find appropriate solutions. Words must be matched with deeds to inspire hope and reassurance. Humanity faces colossal challenges such as climate change and deadly conflicts. Together, in a spirit of solidarity, we must address them. Global governance must be a governance of solutions to the problems facing all of humanity. Therefore, it is essential to strengthen solidarity among nations to build a shared future for humankind.
The Global Governance Initiative is a concept in service of humanity. It aims to enhance the effectiveness of solving global problems and to serve the interests of all countries inclusively. This concept should be embraced especially by developing nations to amplify their voices. It must be promoted to foster an inclusive dynamic in international cooperation. On this 80th anniversary of the UN, it is time to change course and prioritize relationships rooted in mutual respect and inclusion. Every party must play its role in shaping humanity’s shared destiny.
(Photo: VCG)