At the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled plans to roll out 100 'small and beautiful' livelihood projects across SCO member states.
The 'small and beautiful' projects aim to tackle local needs, from clean water and renewable energy to digital education and healthcare improvements. Within the year, China will allocate 2 billion yuan (about $280.5 million) in grants, making targeted investments in communities across Central and South Asia, and beyond.
Looking ahead, an additional 10 billion yuan (around $1.4 billion) in low-cost loans will be funneled to banks in the SCO Interbank Consortium over the next three years, supporting small businesses and grassroots initiatives that drive sustainable growth and inclusive development.
These initiatives reflect a shift towards more focused, community-driven aid, designed to foster stronger economic ties, boost living standards, and promote regional stability. Experts see this as a strategic move to empower local entrepreneurs and young changemakers, sparking ripple effects in innovation and job creation.
As young global citizens tune into digital platforms for real-time updates, this wave of 'small and beautiful' projects highlights how data-driven, people-centric diplomacy can bridge cultures and drive tangible results—a blueprint for international cooperation in the digital age.
Reference(s):
Xi: China to implement 100 livelihood projects in SCO member states
cgtn.com
