Experts and officials from around the globe have lauded Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent address at the BRICS Plus leaders’ dialogue, highlighting his commitment to advancing prosperity in the Global South. President Xi underscored the significance of global peace, advocated for reforming global economic governance to bolster development in the Global South, and called for enhanced dialogue among diverse civilizations.
In his speech, President Xi emphasized that the collective progress of Global South countries towards modernization is a historic movement, unprecedented in human civilization. He acknowledged the formidable challenges facing global peace and recognized that the journey towards prosperity for these nations will not be without obstacles.
President Xi urged BRICS Plus nations to strive for common security, shared development, and harmony among civilizations. The BRICS Plus mechanism, introduced by Xi in 2017, aims to deepen cooperation with developing countries and emerging economies, amplifying the voices of the Global South on the international stage.
Trevor Hambayi, a renowned Zambian economist, praised President Xi’s speech, stating that it demonstrates China’s dedication to the prosperity of Global South countries and is critical for their modernization efforts. Hambayi highlighted the importance of targeted initiatives like the Global Development Initiative (GDI) in driving development across these nations.
President Xi called on BRICS Plus countries to be leaders in promoting shared development and to spearhead reforms in global economic governance. He applauded the achievements of the GDI, noting that it has mobilized nearly $20 billion in development funding and launched over 1,100 projects since its inception.
Announcing new initiatives, President Xi revealed plans to establish a World Smart Customs Community Portal and a BRICS Customs Center of Excellence, encouraging active participation from all nations to facilitate trade and economic cooperation.
Ibrahim Hashem, former advisor to the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, emphasized the significance of President Xi’s Global Security Initiative (GSI). Hashem noted that under the GSI framework, substantial progress has been made in maintaining regional stability, and China’s active role in promoting peace and dialogue contributes positively to regional and global security.
Hashem highlighted China’s efforts in facilitating diplomatic relations between countries and promoting reconciliation, citing examples such as the resumption of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran and the promotion of internal reconciliation among Palestinian factions.
Luis Delgado, academic director at Venezuela’s Center for Higher Studies in Development and Emerging Economies, expressed that Global South countries are keenly interested in the new ideas and initiatives proposed by President Xi. He remarked that the BRICS cooperation mechanism exemplifies a new form of international collaboration characterized by dialogue, respect for diversity, equality, and fair trade, offering great hope for the Global South.
President Xi also discussed the importance of cultural diversity and the harmony of civilizations. He proposed the Global Civilization Initiative last year, advocating for mutual respect among different civilizations and closer people-to-people exchanges.
In his recent address, President Xi pledged to establish a Global South Think Tanks Alliance to promote exchange and share governance experiences among countries. Mehmood Hassan Khan, executive director of the Center of South Asia & International Studies in Islamabad, emphasized the positive implications of this initiative, noting that harmonious coexistence among different civilizations is essential in today’s diverse world.
Evandro Carvalho, a law professor at Fluminense Federal University in Brazil, expressed confidence in the future of BRICS following President Xi’s speech. He noted that China’s proposals center on cooperation and communication, which are crucial for bridging differences in political systems, economies, and cultures among nations. Carvalho believes that with China’s involvement, BRICS will emerge as a key force in promoting multilateralism and fostering global development.
