Editor's note: Andrew Korybko is a Moscow-based American political analyst. The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Chinese President Xi Jinping gave a keynote speech during an event celebrating 40 years of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (SEZ). He praised the country's first-ever SEZ for showing the world the power of China's reform and opening-up policy, which together showcased the bright future of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

President Xi also said that its success proves that the strategic decision undertaken by the Communist Party of China (CPC)'s Central Committee four decades ago is correct.

The socio-economic development that would have taken the people of any other country a century to accomplish was carried out by the Chinese people in only four decades, which he described as a miracle in human history.

Still, the Chinese leader believes that there's more work to be done. He reminded everyone of the CPC Central Committee's guidelines from August 2019 stipulating that Shenzhen is to become the pilot demonstration area for socialism with Chinese characteristics across the country.

This places a huge responsibility upon its leaders and people, but they'll surely rise to meet the high expectations being held of them. Focusing on the much-needed task of high-quality development, improving urban governance capabilities through the city's famous innovation, and taking the lead in reversing anti-globalization trends across the world in this era of profound change are among the most important roles that Shenzhen is destined to play.

It's that last-mentioned objective that deserves special attention and where Shenzhen can truly make its mark on human history this century. During the late 20th century, the city arguably served as successful proof of the concept of economic globalization. 

It proved that the East and West can come together, overcome prior differences and cooperate in the mutually beneficial interests of mankind. It was also a testimony to the importance of political and economic innovation. 

The system of complex economic interdependence that Shenzhen helped pioneer and which greatly contributed to the maintenance of global stability over the past 40 years is now facing unprecedented threats.

President Xi observed that everything is undergoing profound adjustments during the world's present phase of turbulent transformation. It's therefore more important than ever that Shenzhen rises to the occasion by saving globalization after playing such a pivotal role in originally siring it late last century.

The megacity can only do this by deepening reforms and opening up even more than before and proudly becoming the global showpiece of how successful socialism with Chinese characteristics can be. The world is craving leadership during these uncertain times, and rapidly emerging trends point to megacities playing larger roles in all respects.

There's no better moment than now for Shenzhen to position itself as the leading force most capable of steering the ongoing global systemic transition in the direction of win-win outcomes for all.

By encouraging Shenzhen to proceed apace with its historic transformation, attract more international stakeholders through the country's famous SEZ, and optimize all aspects of society in order to deliver a higher-quality experience for all, President Xi is ensuring that the world remains committed to this megacity's success.

That will in turn powerfully counteract the current trend of anti-globalization, remind the world of all that they built together these past four decades, and restore the spirit of globalization in all.

Shenzhen's founders never could have known what a historic role their city would eventually play, but now there's no doubt that it was crucial to catalyzing globalization. Nowadays its role is equally historic, except this time it's to save that same system.

The Shenzhen model of opening-up, reform and socialism with Chinese characteristics provides a much-needed sense of direction for a world mired in confusion and chaos. Forty years from now, this megacity might even be credited with saving human civilization from self-destruction.

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