Global Development Initiative dialogue held at AU headquarters

A dialogue on the China-proposed Global Development Initiative (GDI) was held on Thursday at the headquarters of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa.

In his opening speech, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, and Innovation, Mohammed Belhocine said the relationship between Africa and China has a long history and has developed into an outstanding partnership based on mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. 

Africa-China cooperation is a shining example of South-South cooperation, he said, adding that GDI aligns well with Africa's Agenda 2063 development blueprint and will undoubtedly benefit future generations.

Zhao Fengtao, deputy head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, said the GDI serves as a catalyst and accelerator for the implementation of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The initiative's eight key cooperation areas are fully aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and it has garnered active support and participation from more than 100 countries and over 20 international organizations, effectively building consensus on international development cooperation, said Zhao.

Since the GDI was proposed in 2021, China-Africa cooperation across various fields has yielded fruitful results, according to Zhao.

Nearly 200 "small and beautiful" livelihood-improving projects have been launched in Africa, more than 30 African countries have joined the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative and the Global Development Promotion Center and 14 African countries have signed bilateral documents with China to implement the initiative, he said.

Hu Changchun, head of the Chinese Mission to the African Union, said the recently concluded Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation injected strong new momentum into deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Africa for the next three years.

The event was attended by about 200 representatives from organizations such as the African Union, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the United Nations Development Program, and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.