Editor's note: Stephen Brawer is the chairman of the Belt and Road Institute in Sweden and a distinguished research fellow of the Guangdong Institute for International Strategies in China. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The issue of women's rights and gender equality is not only a matter of social justice but also a key driver of global progress. The Global Leaders' Meeting on Women, held in Beijing, China, from October 13 to 14, gathered world leaders and representatives from international organizations to reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing gender equality and sustainable development. This conference also marked the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, which adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – a milestone in the global advancement of women's rights and gender equality.

In essence, the global effort to protect and advance women's rights is inseparable from the broader pursuit of poverty elimination and sustainable, lasting peace. In that sense, the Belt and Road Initiative remains a crucial strategic framework contributing to these goals by promoting connectivity and shared growth among partner countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has provided consistent leadership in advancing this vision. In addition to the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, he has now issued the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). All these initiatives are focused upon establishing new international relations toward "a community with a shared future for humanity."

Yet, despite the recognized importance of this framework for global development, the world remains deeply affected by violence, poverty, and conflict, with millions of women and girls still suffering from these horrendous conditions. The unique role of women in bearing the children of humanity will forever remain a guiding light for mankind's future. Respecting and empowering women in this profound sense is essential for building peaceful and sustainable communities.

This idea also resonates within Chinese culture. The Chinese classic "I Ching," or the "Book of Changes," a foundational text in Chinese civilization, symbolizes harmony between the creative and the receptive – the unity of yin and yang that represents balance in the universe and in human relationships. Such wisdom emphasizes respect for balance, diversity, and moral responsibility.

Recognition of this also has an essential place in promoting the importance of the family, which finds its deepest roots in ancient Chinese civilization and the thinking of its great sage Confucius. These enduring values continue to play a vital role in China's march toward modernization, rejuvenation, and the vision focused on 2035 and 2049 for improving all people's lives and well-being.

The significance of the GGI emerges in the content of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which adopted the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) for national economic and social development. The long-term objectives of the Chinese nation are being realized through the pursuit of high-quality development, technological innovation and productivity growth. These efforts have led to improvements in people's living standards – from better health care and education to advances in space exploration, artificial intelligence and robotics.

Such progress has drawn increasing international recognition, particularly in Europe and other parts of the world. Against this background, the GGI proposes a new basis for international cooperation based on multilateralism and mutual benefit. It is a major public good contributed by China to the world community. Moreover, the GGI also cultivates powerful momentum in the cause of women's rightful place in world justice.

Together, the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women and the GGI provide a powerful framework for protecting and promoting humanity's best interests. While challenges remain, the direction is clear – through continued cooperation and mutual respect, humanity can move toward a more peaceful and equitable world for all.

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