This year marks a significant milestone for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Far from being merely an infrastructure project focused on roads and bridges, the BRI is fundamentally about connecting people and fostering global development.
Zlatko Lagumdžija, former chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, shared his insights on the true essence of the BRI. \"While many perceive the Belt and Road Initiative as a hardware project, it's much more about software—bringing people together, enhancing trade, and building strong leadership and vision on a global scale,\" Lagumdžija explained.
The BRI is intertwined with China's broader Global Development Initiative (GDI) and Global Security Initiative (GSI), reflecting a comprehensive philosophy aimed at mutual strengthening and cultural exchange. Despite facing skepticism and criticism from some American and European media, Lagumdžija emphasizes that large-scale projects like the BRI are essential for progressing civilization and replacing outdated, unjust systems.
He draws parallels to the historic Moon Shot project, highlighting how ambitious initiatives can overcome obstacles and drive sustainable growth. Lagumdžija argues that a world built on connectivity and shared prosperity is far more sustainable than one characterized by segregation and division. \"A shared future is the only sustainable path forward,\" he asserts, underscoring the BRI's role in uniting diverse populations and empowering communities worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
