The world currently stands at a crossroads where geopolitical tensions are intensifying, climate risks are becoming increasingly severe, and concerns about the governance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are generating global anxiety. In these circumstances, the combination of old and new challenges is further exposing the weaknesses of the global governance system, placing unprecedented pressure on existing international institutions and mechanisms.
A report issued by the United Nations in July 2025, reviewing progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, presents a troubling picture of the global situation. According to the report, only about 35 percent of the 169 targets are on track, while nearly half are progressing at an extremely slow pace, and 18 percent have shown clear regression. These figures highlight gaps and insufficient coordination within the global governance structure.
Against this backdrop, China introduced the Global Governance Initiative in September 2025, aiming to provide principled and practical pathways for reforming and improving the global governance system at this critical juncture. The initiative not only offers a diagnosis of global problems but also presents a structured intellectual framework to address them.
The initiative is built upon five core principles: respect for state sovereignty, adherence to international law, promotion of multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and a focus on practical action. Collectively, these principles provide both an ethical framework and a practical roadmap to address major global deficits in peace, development, security, and governance.
Following the announcement of the Global Governance Initiative, the international community responded positively and swiftly. To date, more than 150 countries and international organizations have supported or welcomed the initiative. In December 2025, the establishment of the “Group of Friends of Global Governance” further institutionalized this support, aiming to promote dialogue, cooperation, and joint action on key global governance issues. The participation of 43 countries so far reflects a growing global desire to translate principles into practical multilateral measures.
International experts and prominent global figures have also highlighted the initiative’s significance. They believe that China has emerged as an important actor in global dialogue and that the initiative’s real strength lies in formulating principles capable of achieving broad international acceptance. According to them, these principles are acceptable not only to major countries of the Global South but also to several European states, and could serve as a cornerstone for future global development.
Experts further argue that the initiative aligns with contemporary demands and reinforces the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. They note that it also addresses the concerns of developing countries regarding imbalanced representation and influence within the global system.
Global figures acknowledge that the initiative places central emphasis on the principles of state sovereignty, equal dignity, and non-interference in internal affairs. In their view, the true spirit of global governance lies in multilateral cooperation, which forms the foundational pillar of this initiative.
International assessments also highlight that China is linking the initiative with concrete actions rather than limiting it to statements. Efforts such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, high-quality Belt and Road cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, the Saudi Arabia–Iran rapprochement, and the establishment of an international mediation organization are cited as examples of this practical strategy.
Overall, the Global Governance Initiative reflects the understanding that in the current era of global crises, mere criticism or theoretical debate is insufficient. Instead, there is a need for a balanced, just, and pragmatic system that gives equal importance to the interests and dignity of all countries. China’s initiative opens new possibilities for global dialogue and cooperation and signals that future global governance could become more inclusive, balanced, and people-centered.
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