The Global Governance Initiative: A Timely Answer to Global Crises and Challenges
On September 1st, 2025, President Xi Jinping solemnly proposed the Global Governance Initiative at the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus” meeting. Following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, China has further contributed to the improvement of global governance by offering Chinese wisdom and solution. Over the past year, the Global Governance Initiative has transformed from a vision into action, expanding from a Chinese proposal to a global consensus. The inclusiveness, fairness, and sustainability of this concept have been continuously tested and proven in practice.
Global governance concerns the common well-being of all humanity. Today, as globalization deepens with each passing day and countries around the world become increasingly interconnected, building a fair and equitable global governance system has become the shared vision of the people of all countries. After the end of World War II, the founding of the United Nations (U.N.) marked the establishment of a multilateral cooperation platform for all nations to engage in dialogue, consultation, and handle international affairs. It has established the framework of international rule of law and pioneered a brand-new practice of global governance. For over 80 years, global multipolarity and economic globalization have continued to advance, making peace, development, cooperation, and win-win outcomes the mainstream of the era. However, as we move further into the twenty-first century, the future and destiny of mankind face new choices and challenges once again. Traditional and non-traditional security issues are interwoven and overlapping. Cold War mentality, unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonism are rampant. The deficit of peace, development, security, and trust confronting all countries continue to widen. The changes of the world, of the times, and of history are unfolding like never before. “What is wrong with the world, and what is the way forward?” has become the question of our times for people from all countries.
Against this historical backdrop, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative which underscores five key principles, namely sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, the people-centered approach and real actions. It provides China’s solution to the major questions regarding what type of global governance system should be built and how to reform and improve it. The Global Governance Initiative meets the global needs and responds to people’s aspirations, has received positive responses from nearly 160 countries and international organizations, with more than 60 countries actively joining the “Group of Friends of Global Governance.” The international community generally recognizes that the initiative calls for unity when the world faces division, consolidates foundations when multilateral bases are shaken, and clearly advocates shared governance rules that find the most extensive common ground among different countries. It is an important measure for addressing global challenges and defending multilateralism, as well as a key step toward a more just and equitable world.
We must practice true multilateralism. Under the background of globalization, no country can develop in isolation from the global governance system. Multilateralism is the only viable path. All countries should firmly uphold U.N.’s central position, the international order underpinned by international law, the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter. Under the banner of multilateralism, all countries should adhere to broad-based consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. Global affairs should be discussed by all, governance systems built by all, and governance outcomes shared by all.
We must uphold the basic principle of mutual respect. All countries, regardless of their size, strength, and stage of development, are all equal members of the international community. Every nation’s sovereignty and dignity must be respected, and all should participate equally, decide jointly, and benefit together in global governance. Major countries should set an example of equality, integrity, and cooperation, rather than acting from a so-called “position of strength” or practicing the law of the jungle, in which one is either “at the table or on the menu.”
We must actively make the voice of the Global South. The rise of the Global South is the most remarkable event in the modern international system. Since the end of World War II, national independence and liberation movements have surged in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, contributing to the increase of U.N. membership from 51 to 193 member states. Today, the Global South accounts for more than sixty percent of the world economy and contributes up to eighty percent of global economic growth. An important step in improving the global governance architecture is to actively respond to the demands of the Global South, which includes fully listening to the voices of the Global South, expanding the presence of the Global South, and safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South.
