Global Governance Initiative: a new era for multilateralism and the Global South

At the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" summit in Tianjin, President Xi Jinping unveiled the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) which highlights sovereign equality, respect for international law, genuine multilateralism, and people-centered cooperation and concrete cooperation.

Liu Baocheng and Paul Frimpong weigh in on how GGI is presented as a blueprint for reforming global governance and expanding the role of the Global South.

Reforming global governance

"China has grown in its economic might and political influence, and therefore it is the right time to propose a framework to settle some of the confusions and turbulences," said Professor Liu Baocheng with the University of International Business and Economics. He described the GGI as a push for "a more just, equitable and effective international order" that rejects unilateralism and prioritizes people-centered policies.

Paul Frimpong, Executive Director of the Africa-China Center for Policy and Advisory, stressed that the initiative resonates strongly with Africa. "Africa has long advocated for fair representation in global institutions and a governance model that prioritizes development rather than geopolitics," he said. "The GGI places development, equity, and inclusivity at the center of global governance."

The role of multilateral institutions

Both speakers acknowledged that today's world faces what Frimpong called a "polycrisis", from climate change to health security to geopolitical fragmentation. Professor Liu warned that "a lack of confidence leads to a lack of trust building and the incentive to build trust among nations," weakening institutions like the WTO, IMF, and even the UN.

Despite shortcomings, institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank remain essential platforms. But Frimpong emphasized the imbalance: "Africa is home to 1.5 billion people and 54 countries, yet not a single African nation holds a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. If you are not on the table, then always you are the meal." He argued that reforms to representation and financing are critical if such institutions are to remain relevant.

GGI aligns with Africa's vision

The GGI positions Africa not as a passive recipient, but as an active partner. "China is saying that Africa is a partner, not a peripheral player, in shaping global governance," Frimpong explained. For him, the initiative aligns with Agenda 2063 and Africa's calls for climate justice, and technological inclusion.

Professor Liu added that any new order must be based on "air and equitable initiatives, transparency, and a stronger sense of responsibility from leadership," urging nations to focus on the real needs of their people rather than "political fantasies."