G20 Summit marks new era of global collaboration, inclusivity

The just-concluded G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro was not just another diplomatic gathering. It was a milestone — a meeting held against a backdrop of profound global challenges and a shifting world order. The agenda could not have been more urgent: confronting the existential threats of climate change, combating hunger and poverty, and restoring peace to a fractured world. The summit represented more than its immediate goals. It signaled the emergence of a new, more inclusive global order, with its choice of location — Brazil, a leading nation of the Global South — speaking volumes about the evolving balance of power and responsibility in international affairs.

Under the stewardship of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the summit succeeded in not only reaffirming shared global priorities but also breaking new ground. The final declaration is both ambitious and visionary. It places the fight against hunger and global warming front and center, commits to reforming international institutions and emphasizes common prosperity through equitable taxation. The G20 also launched a Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative rooted in the powerful acknowledgement that the world does not lack resources or expertise, but the political will to ensure that all people have access to the basic right of sustenance.

The declaration's commitment to limiting global warming to 1.5 C is also an essential affirmation of the international community's resolve to protect our planet. Equally important is the G20's pledge to work toward reforming the United Nations Security Council, ensuring it becomes more representative, inclusive and effective in addressing the complexities of today's global conflicts. These outcomes signal not only progress but also a recognition that cooperation and reform are prerequisites for addressing the interconnected crises of our time.

That this summit took place in Brazil underscores a profound truth: the world order is undergoing transformation. Emerging economies are taking on roles of increasing leadership and responsibility.

By hosting the summit, Brazil highlighted the Global South's capacity to shape the global agenda. The choice of location was also a reminder that solutions to global challenges must transcend traditional power blocs and draw upon the diverse perspectives and resources of all nations.

Among the G20's key players are China and Germany, two nations whose cooperation remains pivotal in the quest for global stability and shared prosperity. Both countries, represented in Rio by Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, respectively, brought significant influence to the table. Their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit underscored the importance of Sino-German collaboration in addressing global challenges and navigating the shifting tides of international trade and geopolitics.

China's role within the G20cannot be overstated. As the world's second-largest economy, it is a crucial player in promoting global economic stability and development. President Xi's recent statement at the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Peru resonates deeply in the context of the G20 Summit: "We should tear down the walls impeding the flow of trade, investment, technology and services." These words highlight a fundamental truth: protectionism and economic fragmentation hinder progress, particularly at a time when global challenges demand unity and cooperation.

Many entrepreneurs in Germany, Europe's largest economy, share this perspective. Despite facing challenges from shifting economic conditions and a rise in protectionist measures, the German economy remains committed to open markets and international collaboration. For Germany, embracing China's vision of dismantling barriers to trade and investment is not just strategic; it is essential for maintaining its economic strength and global competitiveness.

While recent years have brought challenges to Sino-German economic relations — stemming from pandemic disruptions, geopolitical tensions and economic headwinds — there is still tremendous potential for cooperation. In fact, the G20's emphasis on shared prosperity and reform provides a road map for enhanced collaboration.

China and Germany can find common ground in several areas:

Both nations are leaders in renewable energy technologies. Germany's expertise in engineering and manufacturing complements China's capacity for large-scale deployment and innovation. Joint ventures in green hydrogen, wind energy and battery technologies could drive the global transition to a sustainable energy future.

As the world embraces new productive forces, Sino-German partnerships in artificial intelligence, robotics and digital infrastructure can set standards for innovation while promoting equitable technological development.

Both countries have faced disruptions to supply chains in recent years. By working together to create diversified, resilient networks, China and Germany can ensure stability for their industries and contribute to global economic recovery.

The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty offers an opportunity for Sino-German collaboration in sustainable agriculture, food distribution and addressing rural poverty.

The shared G20 commitment to reforming the United Nations Security Council aligns with Germany's long-standing advocacy for a more inclusive multilateral system. By joining forces, China and Germany can champion a new era of global governance that reflects the realities of the 21st century.

For these opportunities to materialize, both nations must navigate existing tensions and differences constructively. President Xi's call to dismantle barriers is a reminder that cooperation, not confrontation, yields the greatest rewards. Chancellor Scholz, in his own remarks after meeting with President Xi, echoed this sentiment: Together, Germany and China can create prosperity for the growing global community and promote peace and security.

Germany's export-driven economy has long thrived on international cooperation. As China seeks to deepen its global partnerships, the alignment of these two nations' interests offers a powerful opportunity to bridge divides, counter protectionism and set an example for the rest of the world.

The Rio summit was a reminder that progress is possible even in turbulent times. The G20's achievements have demonstrated that the world's leading economies can come together to address shared challenges, laying the groundwork for a fairer, more sustainable global order.

Sino-German collaboration, as highlighted during the meeting between Xi and Scholz on the sidelines of this summit, is both a necessity and an opportunity. By deepening their partnership, Germany and China can not only advance their own interests but also contribute to the broader goals of the G20: eradicating poverty, combating climate change and fostering peace.

The road ahead will not be without challenges, but the path forward has been clearly illuminated. The spirit of cooperation displayed in Rio, underpinned by visionary leadership and shared responsibility, offers hope that even in the face of crises and conflicts, reason can prevail. Let us seize this moment to build a world where prosperity, inclusivity and sustainability are within reach of all.

The author is chairman of the Board of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA).?The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.