The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is often seen merely as a colossal infrastructure project—a network of roads, bridges, and railways spanning continents. However, according to Zlatko Lagumdžija, former chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the BRI is much more than physical infrastructure; it’s a visionary endeavor that connects people and cultures across the globe.
“It’s about putting people together,” Lagumdžija explains. “While the hardware—the roads and bridges—is essential, the true essence of the BRI lies in its ability to foster connections between people, facilitating trade, communication, and mutual understanding.”
Lagumdžija highlights that the BRI represents leadership and vision on a global scale. He points out that initiatives like the BRI, along with President Xi Jinping’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) and Global Security Initiative (GSI), are shaping a new philosophy of international cooperation.
He acknowledges that big projects often face skepticism and controversy. Drawing parallels with the historic Moon Shot project in the 1960s, Lagumdžija notes that groundbreaking endeavors are frequently questioned by those resistant to change. “There are always big projects questioned by people who are skeptical about it,” he says. “But history and civilization were moved forward by the great projects.”
Addressing criticisms about sustainability, Lagumdžija argues that the alternative—a segregated world divided by wealth, ethnicity, or nationality—is not sustainable. “What is not sustainable is a world where people are isolated,” he contends. “Connecting people, empowering the less affluent, and fostering shared prosperity are the sustainable paths forward.”
He emphasizes the unprecedented economic and technological advancements made in recent decades, particularly highlighting China’s role since its policy of opening up to the world. “We live in a world significantly more powerful economically than 10 years ago,” he remarks. “China’s achievements in technology and education are unparalleled.”
Lagumdžija urges for a collective move towards a shared future, dismissing notions of isolationism. “The world of segregated societies is not sustainable for anyone,” he concludes. “We need to build bridges—not just physical ones, but bridges between people and cultures.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
