At the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Meeting in Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), emphasizing principles like sovereign equality and multilateralism. The proposal has sparked global dialogue, with young voices from Syria, the U.S., Palestine, and Vietnam sharing their perspectives on its potential impact.
Syrian youth, drawing from their nation’s complex history, highlighted the significance of “sovereign equality” in fostering international stability. Zain Al-Abidin, a Syrian participant, described the principle as foundational to just relations between nations. “When countries feel equal, they gain confidence that no external force can undermine their sovereignty,” he said, reflecting on Syria’s struggles with conflict and foreign intervention.
The GGI’s focus on a people-centered approach resonated with participants, who stressed the need for inclusive frameworks in addressing global challenges. Al-Abidin added, “Equality isn’t just political—it’s about ensuring all nations, regardless of size, can shape their futures without coercion.”
As debates on global governance evolve, the perspectives of youth from conflict-affected regions like Syria underscore the urgency of reimagining international cooperation. Their insights align with broader calls for reforms that prioritize fairness and collective action.
