Global Governance Initiative was announced by Xi Jinping on 1 September during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin. The proposal was introduced as a framework to make international cooperation more fair, equal, and balanced, while reforming rather than dismantling existing institutions. It is the fourth global concept introduced by Xi, following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative.
In his remarks, Xi pointed to the pressures facing the world today, including Cold War thinking, protectionism, hegemonism, and new forms of instability. He urged governments to act collectively to build what he called a shared future for humanity. The initiative was described as resting on five core principles. The first is sovereign equality, meaning that every country regardless of size, wealth, or military strength should be treated as an equal in international governance, with the right to choose its own system free from interference. The second principle is respect for international law, anchored in the UN Charter and universally recognised norms, while opposing double standards and selective applications of law. The third is multilateralism, which calls for joint solutions to global problems and rejects unilateral actions or bloc confrontations, reaffirming the central role of the United Nations. The fourth principle is a people-centred approach, which Xi explained should focus on human wellbeing and sustainable growth rather than competition for power. The final principle is action, with a clear warning against empty words and a call for practical measures that deliver results.
Xi gave the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which unites China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Central Asian states, a leading role in driving the framework forward. Together these nations account for nearly half of the world’s population and around a quarter of global GDP. China promised to expand market access to SCO members, enhance trade and investment, and link the Belt and Road Initiative to the new governance framework. Xi also spoke of cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and space exploration, describing them as essential for the future of international partnerships.
Observers quickly noted that the Global Governance Initiative reflects growing demands from the Global South for more influence in shaping international decisions. Many developing countries have voiced frustration at their limited representation in global bodies, and the initiative was presented as an answer to those concerns by promoting greater inclusivity and solidarity while moving global politics away from zero-sum rivalries.
The SCO Summit in Tianjin closed with a joint declaration endorsing the initiative. Leaders including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and India’s Narendra Modi expressed support for its goals. Media coverage in China and several member states was strongly positive, with reports describing the proposal as a potential turning point in world affairs by bringing together development, security, and cultural cooperation under a shared vision. Analysts also pointed out that the SCO’s experience with consensus-based decision making makes it well positioned to guide the project.
The meeting concluded with agreements on security cooperation, new infrastructure projects, and expanded educational exchanges. These measures are to be aligned with the Global Governance Initiative, giving member states a framework for long-term partnership. Xi closed his speech by calling for the dismantling of trade barriers, deeper economic integration, and open markets. He argued that trust among nations can only be built through practical achievements, which in turn would strengthen the global order against fragmentation.
