Scholars, media leaders, and policy experts from across Africa have expressed support for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s newly proposed Global Governance Initiative (GGI), describing it as a bold and inclusive framework aimed at reshaping international cooperation and amplifying the voice of the Global South.
Speaking during a high-level symposium organized at the CGTN Nairobi Studio, Director Ms. Li Yangjie noted that the GGI, unveiled at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on September 1, embodies a collective aspiration for “a more just, equitable, and inclusive world order.”
Ms. Li highlighted President Xi’s five guiding principles of the initiative—respect for national sovereignty, adherence to international law, multilateral cooperation, prioritization of people’s welfare, and practical action, arguing that these principles provide a practical roadmap for addressing the interconnected challenges of peace, security, and development.
She underscored Africa’s pivotal role, stating: “Africa, with its strength and vast potential, is a key partner in shaping the future of global governance.” she said
Prof. Patrick Muthengi Maluki of the University of Nairobi praised the initiative for promoting fairness, cooperation, and dialogue over dominance. He noted that the GGI complements previous Chinese proposals, including the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), by offering a holistic framework for sustainable progress.
According to Prof. Maluki, the GGI directly addresses Africa’s historical struggle for sovereignty and justice.
“These principles are not abstract ideals; they represent a continuation of our pursuit of sovereignty, justice, and development,” he said, urging African countries to engage actively in strengthening institutions and tackling shared challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and economic inequality.
The Global South
Policy analyst Adhere Cavince described the GGI as “a pivotal turning point in human history,” particularly for countries of the Global South that have long been sidelined in international decision-making.
He observed that post-war global structures, such as the UN Security Council, the IMF, and the World Bank, have often been dominated by a handful of powerful nations, leaving developing countries marginalized.
“The Global Governance Initiative explicitly champions a multipolar world where every nation, regardless of size or economic clout, has a seat at the table,” he said.
Cavince emphasized that, unlike past conditional models such as structural adjustment programmes, the GGI prioritizes development, sovereignty, and mutual respect.
He noted that the initiative resonates with African nations because it aligns with their aspirations for poverty alleviation, infrastructure growth, and self-reliant economies.
He lauded the China-Africa partnership as a living model of South-South cooperation, built not on paternalism but on shared benefits in areas such as infrastructure, trade, technology, and green development.
“This is not a donor-recipient relationship but a partnership of fellow travellers on the path to development,” Adhere said.
Role of media
Adding her perspective, Grace Njenga, Director of Embu TV, underscored the indispensable role of the media in shaping public understanding of the GGI. She urged African media outlets to ensure objective, comprehensive, and constructive reporting of the initiative.
“The media are not just conveyors of information but facilitators of dialogue and promoters of public discourse,” Ms. Njenga stressed. “By fostering understanding and trust, the media can help Africa actively participate in global governance and amplify its international voice.”
New world order
Speakers at the symposium were unanimous that President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative marks a decisive step toward a new world order, one in which the Global South transitions from the margins to the centre of international decision-making.
They noted that the initiative offers practical pathways for addressing pressing global challenges, ranging from climate instability and pandemics to inequality and security, through inclusive multilateralism, dialogue, and shared responsibility.
As the discussions closed, participants expressed optimism that China’s leadership, in partnership with Africa and the broader Global South, could help redefine global governance for the 21st century.
