SCO Tianjin Summit 2025: The GGI and the future of multilateralism

Editor's Note: At the 2025 Tianjin Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced the Global Governance Initiative, a vision centered on equal sovereignty, international rule of law, multilateralism, people-centered development, and practical action. This milestone adds new momentum to the SCO's founding "Shanghai Spirit" while guiding its path toward deeper regional and global cooperation.

In this edition of The Hub, Wang Guan speaks with Professor Mohammad Marandi of Tehran University and Yang Xiyu, senior fellow at the China Institute of International Studies. Together, they examine the significance of this initiative, its links with President Xi's earlier proposals (the Global Development, Global Security, and Global Civilization initiatives) and the SCO's evolving role in a rapidly shifting world.

The discussion also highlights the SCO's growing contributions to peace and stability, open cooperation, shared values, and fairness, alongside fresh platforms for collaboration in energy, green industries, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, education, and healthcare. From countering unilateralism to advancing inclusive globalization, from Belt and Road economic projects to people-centered health programs, the conversation explores the SCO's broader scope and rising solidarity among its members.