On September 1, 2025, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Meeting in Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative. This initiative calls for countries to work together for a more just and equitable global governance system amid a world facing Cold War mentalities, hegemonism, protectionism, and mounting challenges. Xi emphasized the importance of sovereign equality for all countries regardless of size or wealth and insisted on abiding by international rule of law without double standards. He advocated practicing true multilateralism, promoting a people-centered approach where all people are beneficiaries of governance, and focusing on practical actions to achieve tangible outcomes.
Xi underscored safeguarding the status and authority of the United Nations and ensuring its irreplaceable role in the global governance system. He urged efforts to narrow the development gap between North and South and promote greater democracy in international relations. China is committed to deepening cooperation within the SCO framework by advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and establishing key platforms and centers for energy, green industry, digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, and education among SCO countries. Xi also announced plans to increase renewable energy capacity and foster collaboration in artificial intelligence and space exploration.
The initiative received wide support from SCO members and international partners, highlighting the need for a more effective governance philosophy in a world marked by governance deficits and unilateralism. Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the launch of the Global Governance Initiative as the biggest highlight of the SCO summit, noting its alignment with the UN Charter and its support for the UN’s central role in international affairs. This initiative marks Xi’s fourth major global proposal, alongside the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, reflecting China’s vision for a stable, cooperative, and inclusive new world order.
