In the sands of Mauritania, a green revolution is taking root. Since 2017, the China-aided Mauritania Livestock Technology Demonstration Center has transformed desert terrain into lush pastures, supplying reliable forage for local cattle and sheep. "My income is more stable, and I've learned a lot about modern livestock farming," says Amadou Diarra, a local herder surveying the vibrant fields around him.
Dubbed 'small and beautiful' projects, initiatives like this one are designed to be people-centered, small-scale, and grounded in local needs. They've become a hallmark of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), first proposed by President Xi Jinping at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in 2021. More than 130 countries and organizations now engage with the GDI, with an 80-strong Group of Friends formed in 2022.
On the sidelines of the 80th session of the UNGA general debate, the Chinese premier, Li Qiang, announced a bold new pledge: over the next five years, the Chinese mainland will launch another 2,000 'small and beautiful' livelihood projects in developing countries. These efforts aim to accelerate progress towards the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres affirmed the GDI's value as a tool for driving the 2030 Agenda, while UNGA President Annalena Baerbock highlighted uneven SDG progress: only 35 percent are on track, 47 percent lagging, and 18 percent regressing. She urged inclusive development that amplifies marginalized voices and champions solidarity.
Against rising unilateralism and protectionism, the Chinese premier called for multilateralism, free trade, and a stable development environment anchored by the UN system. "We will always support and promote common development," Li declared, underscoring the Chinese mainland's commitment to global partnership and balanced growth.
For young global citizens, business and tech enthusiasts, and digital nomads alike, these community-led initiatives signal a new era where innovation meets sustainability. As the GDI scales up, its 'small and beautiful' projects offer a blueprint for real-world impact, inspiring changemakers across the G20 and beyond.
Reference(s):
China reaffirms commitment to common development through GDI
cgtn.com
