摘要：The proposal of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) by Chinese President Xi Jinping comes at a critical moment in history. The

By Maya Majueran

Lead: The Global Governance Initiative reflects growing Global South demands for equal representation in international institutions controlled by a narrow circle of wealthy Western states.

The proposal of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) by Chinese President Xi Jinping comes at a critical moment in history. The current international system struggles to address converging global challenges ranging from climate change and pandemics to economic instability, economic bullying and regional armed conflicts. The GGI is not just a diplomatic gesture; it is a response to a global system under strain, offering a vision for a more just, inclusive and effective framework for international cooperation.

The GGI rests on five core principles:

1. Adhering to sovereign equality: All countries, regardless of size, strength and wealth, are equal participants, decision-makers and beneficiaries in global governance. Efforts should be made to promote greater democracy in international relations and increase the representation and voice of developing countries.

2. Abiding by international rule of law: Universal legal norms must guide global governance rather than selective enforcement or inconsistent standards. As President Xi has pointed out, there should be no double standards, and the house rules of a few countries must not be imposed upon others.

3. Practicing multilateralism: International dialogue and cooperation should supersede unilateral actions and adversarial bloc politics. It is essential to firmly safeguard the status and authority of the U.N., and ensure its irreplaceable and crucial role in global governance.

4. Advocating the people-centered approach: Human welfare and sustainable development must outweigh strategic rivalry between nations.

5. Focusing on taking real actions: Governance must deliver tangible outcomes, not remain mired in rhetoric or symbolic gestures. It is imperative to enhance practical cooperation to prevent the governance system from lagging behind or being fragmented.

While these principles reflect fairness, accountability and inclusivity, the current Western-led system often falls short of these ideals. In practice, global governance has been shaped by a hierarchy that privileges powerful nations. Smaller or less influential countries are routinely marginalized as major powers control international priorities.

Western powers compound this disparity by imposing sanctions, economic pressure and diplomatic isolation on non-aligned nations. Such measures are often justified in the name of upholding "rules" or "values," yet the enforcement remains selective and inconsistent. While allies of the West are shielded from scrutiny, others face disproportionate consequences.

This system persists due to Western control of major international institutions. Veto powers, financial dominance and structural advantages enable Western powers to bend global rules to serve their own interests. Such impunity across military interventions, economic disasters and human rights abuses damages global governance credibility and weakens international trust.

In contrast, the GGI aims to correct these distortions by reaffirming the principle that all nations — large or small, wealthy or poor — must be equal participants in shaping global outcomes. Only through genuine inclusivity can the international system deliver fairness, stability and shared progress.

Importantly, the GGI is not a standalone proposal but part of a broader effort by China to promote global cooperation and reform. Beijing recognizes that the current order, dominated by a narrow circle of wealthy states, no longer reflects the realities of a multipolar world. Emerging powers, developing nations and diverse regions are all demanding a stronger voice in shaping international norms and institutions.

The Global South, with BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) at its forefront, is advocating for a new global governance framework — one that treats all nations as equals. This coalition of emerging markets and developing countries seeks to challenge the dominance of traditional power structures and promote a system rooted in sovereign equality, mutual respect and inclusive decision-making. This vision aims not to substitute one power bloc for another, but to restructure global governance for a multipolar reality where all nations participate meaningfully in determining collective outcomes.

Through platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, China has consistently emphasized shared benefits, sovereign equality and respect for diverse development paths. The GGI extends this foreign policy approach by establishing China as an advocate for participatory international cooperation.

In this sense, the GGI serves both as a critique of the existing system and a constructive proposal for improvement. It challenges the selective and often coercive practices of Western-led governance, while offering a model grounded in cooperation, international law and real outcomes for the peoples. By advocating reforms that align governance with fairness and inclusivity, China aims to build upon the foundations of the international order to better serve the collective interests of the Global South and the broader global community.

Humanity faces a pivotal moment marked by lingering Cold War mentality, hegemonic behavior and protectionist policies. The GGI is a call to move beyond these outdated paradigms and build a governance system that reflects the interconnected realities of the 21st century.

The GGI has attracted global attention, with many nations acknowledging the urgent need for reform and warmly welcoming the initiative. The SCO summit in Tianjin, China, where the GGI was introduced, underscores the growing importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges. Through its focus on equal sovereignty, international law and cooperative engagement, the GGI offers a pathway toward fairer global governance.

Humanity stands at a historical inflection point. The problems we face — climate change, pandemics, inequality and conflict — are too complex and interconnected for any single nation to solve alone. The current system is cracking under pressure. The GGI is not an attempt to create a "world government," but rather a timely initiative to update the rules of cooperation to meet today's realities.

Without more effective international collaboration, humanity risks failing to address the defining challenges of our time — with potentially catastrophic consequences for all. The GGI is, therefore, not just appropriate; it is essential.

Maya Majueran currently serves as a director of BRISL, an independent and pioneering Sri Lankan-led organization with strong expertise in BRI advice and support.

来源：中国网一点号