The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) is highly consistent with the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, an expert has said.

These initiatives, proposed by China, uphold the principles of sovereign equality and multilateral cooperation, and emphasize equal participation of all countries, said Cui Zheng, director of the Research Center for Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asian Countries at Liaoning University.

In an interview with CGTN on elaborating on the significance and practice of the GGI, Cui said the concept has aligned theory with practice, emphasizing the importance of addressing the practical needs of countries, especially developing nations, both in the short term and in the long run.

From numerous projects implemented under the Belt and Road Initiative, to the introduction of various practical cooperation measures under the Global Development Initiative, and the active mediation in hotspot issues through the Global Security Initiative, these concrete efforts highlight the commitment to turning concepts into reality through tangible actions, he said.

China proposed the GGI during the recently held Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, marking another important public good that China has shared with the world to promote building a more just and reasonable global governance system.

In which areas should the GGI seek breakthroughs?

Cui said in the process of promoting the reform of the global governance system, China should set examples in several key areas. These areas should align with China's development strategy and global interests, enjoy international consensus for cooperation and a multilateral foundation, and address prominent gaps in the current global governance framework.

First, the governance of climate change is related to the common well-being of humanity and is highly consistent with China's concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets."

China can set an example for global governance reform in this area by leading the implementation of its carbon neutrality commitments, strengthening South-South climate cooperation and the supply of climate finance.

Second, he urged efforts to enhance the governance of digital economy. There is a significant deficit in global digital governance, marked by a lack of unified regulations, widening digital divide and insufficient security and trust.

China, with its substantial capabilities in this area, should take the initiative in shaping digital rules and advocating for a fair global digital governance system, he said.

While upholding cyber sovereignty and cybersecurity, China can also promote the establishment of inclusive and equitable digital cooperation mechanisms, contributing its wisdom to the healthy development of the global digital economy, he added.

Third, participating in global health governance will help China better strengthen its own health system, and enhance its international voice, Cui said.

As the current global health governance faces multiple challenges including unbalanced development of the health system in various countries, and insufficient supply of public goods for global health and security, he said there is an urgent need to establish a fairer and more efficient global health system.

China can play the role of a responsible major country and continue to support the reform of the World Health Organization, participate in the construction of a global disease early warning system, expand medical assistance and capacity training to developing countries, and promote the building of a global community of health for all, Cui said.

How to implement GGI through multilateral platforms such as UN

At the practical level, three aspects can be addressed to effectively implement the principles of the GGI and advance the reform of multilateral institutions through platforms such as the UN. According to Cui, they are mechanisms, rules and actions.

First, at the mechanism level, he urged efforts to strengthen the central role of the United Nations and optimize its agenda-setting and institutional flexibility.

Second, at the rule level, it is necessary to advance rule-of-law-based and inclusive reforms, he said, calling for the consolidation of the foundation of the international rule of law and the upholding of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

Finally, at the action level, he called on major countries to lead by example and provide more public goods to the international community. It is imperative to deepen South-South cooperation and support Global South countries to better integrate into the global governance system through development financing, technology transfer, and experience sharing.

Through the coordinated advancement of these three aspects, the principles of the GGI can be more effectively implemented on multilateral platforms, such as the UN, driving the reform of multilateral institutions toward a more just, equitable, inclusive and efficient direction, Cui said.