Scholars, officials applaud President Xi's advocacy for Global South prosperity

Experts and officials from various countries praised Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent speech at the BRICS Plus leaders' dialogue on Thursday. They noted that President Xi emphasized the importance of global peace, advocated for reform in global economic governance to enhance Global South development, and called for dialogue among different civilizations – points that are inspiring for the stability and prosperity of the Global South.

In his address, Xi remarked that the collective advancement of Global South countries toward modernization is both monumental in world history and unprecedented in human civilization. He acknowledged that while global peace faces severe challenges, the path to prosperity for the Global South will not be straightforward.

Xi urged BRICS Plus countries to strive for common security, common development and harmony among civilizations. The BRICS Plus mechanism was first proposed by Xi in 2017 to foster cooperation with more developing countries and emerging economies, amplifying the voices of the Global South on the international stage.

Trevor Hambayi, a Zambian economist, told China Media Group that Xi's speech on promoting Global South development demonstrated China's commitment to prosperity for these nations and is crucial for the modernization of developing countries.

Xi called on BRICS Plus countries to be primary drivers of shared development and lead reforms in global economic governance. He praised the Global Development Initiative's achievements, noting that it has mobilized nearly $20 billion in development funding and launched over 1,100 projects. 

The GDI was proposed by Xi at the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly in September 2021, with the aim to fostering international consensus on promoting development, cultivating new drivers for global development, and facilitating common development and progress of all countries. 

Additionally, he announced plans to establish a World Smart Customs Community Portal and a BRICS Customs Center of Excellence, encouraging active participation from all nations.

Hambayi praised Xi's Global Development Initiative and its targeted measures, saying these significantly contribute to prosperity across the Global South.

Ibrahim Hashem, former advisor to the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, focused on Xi's proposed Global Security Initiative. Xi mentioned the initiative in his speech, noting that significant progress has been made in maintaining regional stability under its framework.

Hashem highlighted China's active role as a major BRICS member in advocating for peace and dialogue. This includes launching the Friends for Peace group in response to the Ukraine crisis, facilitating the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and promoting internal reconciliation among Palestinian factions. He emphasized that these actions positively contribute to regional peace and stability.

Luis Delgado, academic director at Venezuela's Center for Higher Studies in Development and Emerging Economies, stated that Global South countries have a strong interest in the new ideas and initiatives proposed by Xi. He added that for over a decade, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has exemplified a new form of international collaboration characterized by dialogue, respect for diversity, equality and fair trade, representing great hope for the Global South.

"We should jointly promote the development of all civilizations and strive for harmony among them. The diversity of civilization is the innate quality of the world," Xi said in his speech. He proposed the Global Civilization Initiative last year, advocating for respect for the diversity of civilizations, the common values of humanity and closer people-to-people exchanges.

In his speech on Thursday, Xi pledged that China will establish a Global South Think Tanks Alliance to promote people-to-people exchanges and experience-sharing in governance.

Mehmood Hassan Khan, executive director of the Center of South Asia & International Studies in Islamabad, emphasized the positive implications of this initiative. He noted that Global South countries possess varied political, economic, cultural and institutional backgrounds, and Xi's speech reaffirmed the importance of harmonious coexistence among different civilizations, which is essential in today's world.

Evandro Carvalho, a law professor at Fluminense Federal University, expressed his confidence in the future of BRICS after listening to Xi's address. He remarked that the core of China's proposals revolves around cooperation and communication, crucial for bridging differences in political systems, economies and cultures among nations. He expressed belief that, with China's involvement, BRICS will emerge as a key force in promoting multilateralism.