Rapid Fire
China’s People-Centred Global Governance Initiatives
- 06 Jan 2026
- 3 min read
At the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Tianjin Summit, 2025, China proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), building on its earlier Global Development Initiative (2021), Global Security Initiative (2022), and Global Civilization Initiative (2023).
- The four initiatives place people at the centre of global governance, focusing on tangible welfare gains and dignity. They aim to reform global governance through shared development, common security, and inclusive cooperation.
- Global Governance Initiative (GGI): It calls for a more just and equitable global governance system, with inclusive reforms that deliver tangible improvements in people’s well-being.
- Global Development Initiative (GDI): It focuses on people-centred development by protecting livelihoods and ensuring equitable sharing of growth benefits, aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and development cooperation.
- Global Security Initiative (GSI): Emphasises peace through dialogue and consultation, respecting sovereign development paths.
- Global Civilization Initiative (GCI): Promotes mutual respect among civilisations and shared human values.
- Strategic implication: The four initiatives collectively project China’s alternative vision of multilateralism, challenging existing global governance structures while appealing to the Global South.
India’s People-centric Global Initiatives
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): Focuses on climate justice, affordable energy access, and sustainable development for developing countries.
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): Promotes resilient infrastructure to protect livelihoods and reduce disaster risks, particularly in vulnerable regions.
- Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment): Global movement encouraging behavioural change and sustainable consumption through people-led climate action.
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Model: India’s advocacy of open, inclusive digital public goods (payments, identity, service delivery) to improve governance and inclusion worldwide.
- Vaccine Maitri: Treats health as a global public good, supporting equitable access during crises.
- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (G20, 2023): India’s G20 theme emphasised people-centric, inclusive, and sustainable development, especially for the Global South.
| Read more: Good Governance |
