Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday unveiled the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), urging countries to collaborate in building a more just and equitable international governance system.
Xi made the proposal while chairing the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus” Meeting in Tianjin, North China. The gathering, the largest in the SCO’s 24-year history, brought together leaders from over 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations.
The GGI is the fourth major global initiative proposed by Xi in recent years, following the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI).
Five Principles of the GGI
Xi outlined five key principles to guide the initiative:
- Upholding sovereign equality,
- Abiding by international rule of law,
- Practicing multilateralism,
- Promoting a people-centered approach, and
- Taking concrete, results-oriented action.
Despite the ongoing global trend of peace, cooperation, and mutual benefit, Xi warned that Cold War mentality, hegemonism, and protectionism remain obstacles. He noted that the world is facing increasing threats and challenges, describing the current moment as “a new crossroads in global governance.”
This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the 80th founding anniversary of the United Nations (UN). Xi stressed the importance of safeguarding the status and authority of the UN, underscoring its irreplaceable role in international governance.
“All countries, regardless of size, strength, or wealth, are equal participants, decision-makers, and beneficiaries in global governance,” Xi said. “There should be no double standards, and the house rules of a few countries must not be imposed upon others.”
Xi further called on the SCO to play a leading role in advancing the GGI, positioning the organization as a stabilizing force amid global volatility.
Innovation Amid Governance Deficits
Scholars, both domestic and international, welcomed the GGI, stating that it directly addresses emerging gaps in global governance. They praised the initiative for amplifying the voice of the Global South and offering Chinese wisdom and solutions for reforming international systems.
During his address, Xi also announced plans to establish three major platforms for China-SCO cooperation in:
- Energy,
- Green industry, and
- The digital economy.
In addition, he pledged to create three cooperation centres focused on:
- Scientific and technological innovation,
- Higher education, and
- Vocational and technical training.
Xi affirmed that China supports the SCO in expanding collaboration with other multilateral institutions—including the UN, ASEAN, the Eurasian Economic Union, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia—to safeguard the global economic and trade order and enhance regional and international governance.
Experts noted that the GGI, together with the GDI, GSI, and GCI, form a comprehensive system of global public goods that China has contributed to the world.
- In September 2021, Xi launched the Global Development Initiative at the 76th UN General Assembly, aiming to build consensus on development, promote shared growth, and accelerate progress on the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- In April 2022, he proposed the Global Security Initiative during a keynote speech at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference, calling for collective security and enriching global security governance.
- In March 2023, Xi announced the Global Civilization Initiative at the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting, emphasizing tolerance, exchanges, and mutual learning among civilizations as vital for humanity’s modernization.
Together, these four initiatives represent China’s growing role in shaping international governance and offering alternative frameworks for global cooperation.
