Herald of hope

For developing countries such as Indonesia, the Global Governance Initiative offers a renewed sense of optimism that a fairer and more inclusive international order can be established

The world today is experiencing significant turbulence, marked by escalating inter-state conflicts, the resurgence of unilateralism, and the erosion of trust in international institutions. This includes the United Nations, which recently commemorated eight decades of existence as a central institution tasked with managing inter-state relations, as articulated in its founding charter. Despite the many positive achievements the UN has contributed to global peace and cooperation, it is increasingly evident that the existing framework of global governance is losing its adaptability in responding to contemporary challenges. Structural inequalities within some international institutions continue to marginalize developing countries. Simultaneously, emerging global threats — such as climate change, artificial intelligence, digital divides and unresolved geopolitical tensions — remain inadequately addressed by the current global order, which lacks the required collective and effective mechanisms for meaningful resolution.

In today's increasingly uncertain and unequal world, concerns over the fairness of global governance are growing louder. In response to these concerns, China — the world's second-largest economy and a leading voice of the Global South — has proposed the Global Governance Initiative. It is part of a broader international vision that includes the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.

The Global Governance Initiative offers a timely and hopeful alternative to reshape global governance in a way that is fairer, more peaceful and more inclusive.

First, the initiative promotes a more inclusive and multipolar world order. This vision directly responds to the frustration of many developing countries with the dominance of unilateral decision-making by a few powerful nations. By encouraging broader participation and equal voices in global affairs, the initiative reflects the real aspirations of countries that have long felt marginalized in international institutions.

Second, it creates new space for stronger cooperation among countries of the Global South. Many of today's most urgent global challenges — such as sustainable development, food security and energy transition — require collective solutions. The initiative promotes partnerships based on mutual respect, joint problem-solving and shared growth. This collaborative approach could strengthen trust and solidarity among developing nations, and improve their ability to shape global outcomes on their own terms.

Third, it offers a subtle but important critique of existing global institutions, many of which are seen as outdated and unrepresentative. Institutions such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have long been criticized for favoring the interests of wealthy countries. For decades, Global South countries have called for a more balanced distribution of power and influence in these institutions — especially in how decisions are made and how resources are allocated.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's vision for the Global Governance Initiative is a manifestation of China's consistent commitment to fostering a more equitable and balanced global governance framework. It aligns with the broader concept of a community with a shared future for humanity, which President Xi introduced in his speech at Moscow State University in 2013. In his remarks, President Xi underscored the importance of international cooperation, mutual respect and shared development, emphasizing that countries are increasingly interconnected and should work together.

In the Recommendations of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) for National Economic and Social Development unveiled in October, the goal of establishing a fairer global order is again reiterated. China envisions the construction of such an order through a multipolar global system, inclusive economic globalization, and the expansion of global partnerships and new models of international relations. Regional cooperation is to be enhanced through integrated development, shared security and strategic trust. Stability among major powers and solidarity with developing countries are to be maintained through various global initiatives. China also affirms its support for Global South countries, rejecting hegemony and coercion, upholding the common values of humanity, and promoting a peaceful, secure and collectively prosperous world.

China is one of Indonesia's key strategic partners and a nation with substantial global influence. To date, bilateral cooperation between China and Indonesia has received positive support from various domestic stakeholders. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has repeatedly emphasized the importance of Indonesia-China relations in multiple forums. Indonesia should support implementing the Global Governance Initiative within the current global governance framework.

The liberalization of global trade has disproportionately benefited developed countries, which possess strong competitiveness and mature export structures. Developing nations, including Indonesia, are often urged to open their markets, while developed nations continue to maintain agricultural subsidies and domestic protections.

The IMF and the World Bank — two major international financial institutions — operate under a voting structure that is fundamentally imbalanced. For instance, the United States and some European countries hold a dominant voting share, which often skews strategic decisions regarding loans or economic oversight in favor of the geopolitical and economic interests of these powers.

There is a spirit of solidarity embedded within the Global Governance Initiative, wherein China seeks to ensure that developing nations such as Indonesia are granted equal rights and a proportional voice in strategic decision-making processes within international institutions. Indonesia's support for the Global Governance Initiative also resonates with the principles of the Bandung Spirit, which upholds solidarity, sovereignty and justice in international relations. By leveraging its historical ties and strategic cooperation with China and other Global South countries, Indonesia can play an active role in shaping a new, more representative architecture of global governance.

For Indonesia, endorsing this initiative not only aligns with its strategic interests and long-standing foreign policy principles, but also echoes its historical commitment to global justice and South-South solidarity — values prominently expressed during the 1955 Asian-African Conference in Bandung.

The author is the head of the ASEAN-China Research Center at the University of Indonesia. The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.