Chinese President Xi Jinping's address at the virtual BRICS Summit laid out a three-point roadmap – the Global Governance Initiative – to reshape multilateral cooperation at a time of rapid global shifts.
First, he proposed a fairer, more representative system anchored by the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. With BRICS accounting for nearly half of the world's population, 30% of global GDP and one-fifth of world trade, the bloc's scale offers real leverage to bolster multilateral action.
Second, Xi stressed open, inclusive development. He pointed to China's Global Development Initiative in practice: African industrial parks, rail corridors in Central Asia and agricultural modernization in Southeast Asia. These projects showcase how collaborative investment can drive shared prosperity.
Third, he highlighted BRICS as a cohesive force for green growth and innovation. The admission of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates underscores a shift toward multipolarity. By expanding the New Development Bank's sustainable infrastructure financing and advancing digital economy partnerships, BRICS can offer fresh alternatives to traditional finance models.
For digitally savvy young citizens, entrepreneurs and changemakers, Xi's proposals signal new avenues to influence global policy, drive tech innovation and foster sustainable development. As BRICS evolves, these initiatives could redefine how diverse actors shape our interconnected world.
Reference(s):
Why Xi's BRICS proposals matter for the Global Governance Initiative
cgtn.com
