AMID accelerating global changes marked by geopolitical turmoil, economic uncertainty, and growing gaps in governance, Chinese President, Xi Jinping, on September 1, unveiled the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus” Meeting.

The initiative seeks to reform and strengthen the international governance framework to better reflect the realities of a rapidly changing world, particularly with the rise of developing countries and emerging market economies. President Xi emphasised that the current global governance system has fallen behind the needs of the times, prompting widespread calls for reform.
In his address, President Xi outlined five key principles of the Global Governance Initiative:

1. Sovereign Equality – All nations, regardless of size, wealth, or power, should participate equally in decision-making and benefit equally from global governance. This principle also emphasises enhancing the voice of developing countries in international affairs.
2. Rule of Law – International relations must be guided by the U.N. Charter and universally recognised norms, applied fairly and without double standards. Xi stressed that no country should impose its own “house rules” on others.
3. Multilateralism – The initiative reinforces the need for global governance based on consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. It underscores the central role of the United Nations in maintaining solidarity and opposing unilateral actions.
4. People-Centred Development – The governance system should ensure that people across all nations are both participants and beneficiaries, narrowing the North-South divide and safeguarding collective interests.

5. Practical Action – The initiative calls for coordinated, holistic measures to ensure visible outcomes and prevent governance systems from lagging or becoming fragmented.
The GGI follows earlier frameworks proposed by China, including the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). Together, these proposals reflect China’s vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity.
China has reaffirmed its readiness to work with developing nations, including Guyana, to advance the democratisation of international relations and ensure that the reformed global governance system reflects the aspirations of the majority of countries. The initiative also reinforces China’s support for the United Nations as the central body in international affairs.
By championing the GGI, President Xi seeks to inject “more positive energy” into a world facing instability, while offering a framework for co-operation, inclusivity, and sustainable human development.