China has announced three significant global initiatives—the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative—forming a comprehensive roadmap for reforming global governance. Unveiled in September by President Xi Jinping, these initiatives signal China’s ambition to contribute to global peace, development, and prosperity.
At a time when humanity faces critical crossroads and increasing interdependence, China proposes new ideas to build a better world. The GDI, the first of these initiatives, builds upon the infrastructure foundation laid by the Belt and Road Initiative. It shifts focus to targeted, sustainable projects aimed at poverty alleviation, food security, healthcare, development finance, industrialization, green development, digital economy, and connectivity.
According to President Xi, the GDI embodies principles of being “people-centered” and “innovation-driven,” aiming for “results-oriented actions” that bring “benefits for all.” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the GDI as “a rallying call to galvanize greater attention on development and bring it back to the center of the international agenda.”
In 2022, during the High-level Dialogue on Global Development, China announced 32 major measures to implement the GDI, including the establishment of the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund totaling $4 billion USD. The GDI now encompasses over 200 projects spanning multiple sectors.
The GDI is founded on six key commitments: prioritizing development, adopting a people-centered approach, promoting inclusiveness and shared benefits, driving innovation, ensuring harmony between humanity and nature, and focusing on tangible results.
As of September 2023, the GDI has received support from over 100 countries and international organizations, with more than 70 countries joining the Group of Friends of the GDI at the United Nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also endorsed the initiative.
While some analysts from developed countries have expressed skepticism, questioning China’s motives, the GDI continues to gain international support, reflecting a shared interest in addressing global challenges through cooperative development.
China’s Global Development Initiative represents a significant step in fostering global partnerships and promoting sustainable development. As the world navigates complex challenges, the GDI offers a framework for collective action towards a more prosperous and inclusive future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
