Eight decades after the United Nations was born in the aftermath of two world wars, the quest for peace, development and cooperation faces new tests. Unilateral moves and power politics are putting strain on multilateral mechanisms, widening what experts call a "governance deficit." Enter the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), proposed in 2025 by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in north China's Tianjin Municipality.
Reaffirming Founding Ideals
At the heart of the GGI lie five principles: sovereign equality, respect for international rule of law, genuine multilateralism, a people-centered approach and a push for concrete actions. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the Initiative as a timely effort to strengthen the UN's framework and keep people at its core. Philemon Yang, president of the 79th UN General Assembly, underscored how the GGI reinforces the UN-centered international system.
Global South Takes the Stage
While some countries have remained on the sidelines, leaders from the Global South have warmly embraced the GGI. Russian President Vladimir Putin called it a much-needed catalyst for positive change, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic highlighted its focus on fair representation, protecting postwar rules and tackling issues like climate change. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel wrote on X that the initiative supports global governance reform and a shared future for humanity. Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim both voiced firm support, citing the GGI's potential to balance global voices and restore trust in multilateralism.
From Principles to Practice
Critics warn of a growing trust deficit in trade, finance and climate action—costs that ordinary people bear. Advocates of the GGI see its strength in action-oriented solutions. Professor Li Haidong of China Foreign Affairs University notes that the Initiative bridges lofty ideals with practical steps, aiming for shared security, prosperity and green development. Researchers like Ding Xiaoxing and Kenyan scholar Cavince Adhere point to the GGI's capacity to build consensus, mend fractured governance structures and deliver sustainable outcomes.
As the UN celebrates its 80th year, the Global Governance Initiative offers a roadmap for a world in flux—one where cooperation, justice and tangible progress go hand in hand.
Reference(s):
Why the Global Governance Initiative is timely and necessary
cgtn.com
