Editor’s note: This article represents the views of the author Karim Badolo and not necessarily those of CGTN.
One year after the proposal of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), China has published a white paper promoting the initiative. Entitled Toward Fairer and More Equitable Global Governance: Principles, Proposals and Actions of China, the document was presented by the State Council Information Office of China. The white paper outlines China’s initiatives as the originator of the GGI.
Grounded in the principle of peaceful development enshrined in its Constitution, China has consistently advocated international cooperation based on mutual, equal, and fruitful exchanges among civilizations, serving inclusive global governance. The concept of a community with a shared future for humanity is validated by the challenges and crises the world faces. No matter where a crisis or conflict arises, its repercussions resonate globally. The interests of all nations—large or small, rich or poor—are intertwined, requiring global governance to emphasize inclusiveness. Beyond divergences and misunderstandings, there must be conviction in the shared destiny that unites all parts of the world.The white paper clearly sets out China’s commitment to peace, security, and development. For Asian countries, it is vital to strengthen dynamics that foster exchanges among nations and peoples and promote dialogue among civilizations. The more cultures learn about and discover one another, the more they dismantle barriers of misunderstanding. They build bridges and tear down walls. Development opportunities can only be shared in an environment where dialogue and mutual understanding are prioritized. From this perspective, global governance will be better equipped to address planetary challenges such as climate change, conflicts, and the governance of artificial intelligence. The Global Civilization Initiative, also proposed by China, pursues the noble goal of defending humanity’s common values and integrating diverse cultures into a pluralistic human civilization.
As the largest developing country, China pledges to defend the interests of the Global South by activating the levers of multilateralism and lasting stability. Having achieved substantial results through Chinese modernization, the country also intends to share the opportunities of its experience with nations aspiring to similar development. In the same vein, China seeks to explore, through consensus, pathways for reform and improvement of global governance to usher in an era of peace, development, and shared prosperity.
For inclusive global governance serving common interests, the white paper reaffirmed the central role of the United Nations in international cooperation. The UN’s status as a promoter of peace and global stability must be safeguarded. The much‑desired reforms should further strengthen its mission of promoting peace and development. A supported UN will serve global governance and help address deficits in areas such as international financial architecture, artificial intelligence, cyberspace, climate change, and international trade. China has pledged to play its full role in ensuring that global governance becomes fairer, more equitable, and more inclusive.
Photo: VCG