Why the world needs the Global Governance Initiative

The world today is anything but peaceful. Geopolitical rivalries are intensifying, regional conflicts keep flaring up, and unilateralism and hegemonism are rearing their ugly heads. Statistics show that in 2025, armed conflicts hit a post-World War II high, involving over 50 countries. The old world order is fraying, with new challenges stacking up. Yet global governance is failing to keep up: some major countries have walked away from treaties and funding commitments; the WTO dispute system remains paralyzed; and IMF and World Bank reforms lag far behind, leaving the Global South seriously underrepresented and unheard.

It was against this backdrop that China proposed the Global Governance Initiative at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in September 2025, offering China's vision for a fairer and more equitable global system. This June, China issued a white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions", calling for all sides to jointly meet global challenges and inject much-needed confidence into a turbulent world.

The CGI struck an immediate chord globally upon release, winning support from nearly 160 countries and organizations, with over 60 joining the "Group of Friends of Global Governance". Its appeal is clear: it cuts straight to the root causes of today's governance crisis. Built on sovereign equality, the rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and real action, it delivers what nations badly need — fairness over hegemony, order over chaos, and a practical path forward.

China backs its words with swift action, leading true multilateralism by example. On hotspots like the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, China has taken an objective and balanced approach, actively mediating talks for peace and addressing both symptoms and root causes. It never interferes in others' internal affairs or adds fuel to the fire, nor does it pick sides or seek private gains. On development issues, China stays committed to promoting open cooperation and shared growth. Under the global initiative, it has launched over 1,800 projects, trained 80,000 professionals, and granted zero-tariff treatment to all African countries having diplomatic ties with China. It has also rolled out eight targeted cooperation measures to empower the Global South and drive high-quality development of the "Greater BRICS Cooperation."

In building governance platforms, China has launched the International Organization for Mediation and World Data Organization, helped establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, and is expected to host the inaugural Xiong'an Global Governance Forum. All these are efforts to transform common aspirations for a more effective global governance system into concrete actions to turn crises into progress.

In this evolving landscape, Hong Kong's role deserves closer attention. Backed by the motherland and well-connected to the world, Hong Kong is in a unique position to contribute to global governance.

Hong Kong's international strengths — in aligning with international legal and trade rules, attracting global talent, and fostering cultural exchange — have enabled it to participate in global governance reform and help build multilateral consensus. In this endeavor, Hong Kong has much to gain and even more to contribute.

As a Chinese saying goes, "The wise adapt to the times; the prudent adjust to changing circumstances." With old problems intertwined with new risks, no country can tackle them alone. That is why the world needs the Global Governance Initiative more than ever. Only by coming together in genuine solidarity can we weather turmoil, deliver good governance, and build a fairer and more equitable world order.

The author is a Hong Kong-based commentator on international affairs. 

The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

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