Hey fam! 🌏 At a high-level UNGA sideline meeting, China’s Premier Li Qiang dropped some big news: over the next five years, China will roll out 2,000 more “small & beautiful” livelihood projects in developing countries under the Global Development Initiative (GDI).
Remember the China-aided Mauritania Livestock Technology Demonstration Center we heard about? It’s in the middle of desert dunes but has blossomed green pastures for cattle and sheep since 2017. Local pros like Amadou Diarra are digging the stable income and modern farming skills they’re acquiring. 🌱🐑
The GDI – first pitched by President Xi Jinping in 2021 – is now backed by 130+ countries and orgs. With the GDI Group of Friends boasting 80+ members (shoutout to Egypt’s Assem Hanafi for vibing on the inclusive knowledge-sharing!), it’s shaping up as a global public good to fast-track the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
But heads up: the race to hit the SDGs is real. Only 35% of targets are on track, 47% need a push, and 18% are actually sliding backwards, warns UNGA President Annalena Baerbock. That’s why multilateralism and solidarity matter now more than ever – no room for protectionism or solo runs. 🤝
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also backed the GDI as a key tool for sustainable goals. Premier Li echoed that China’s here for the long haul, championing an open, balanced development path and a support system that truly cares for developing countries. 🎯
For all of us scrolling on our phones, it’s a reminder: global progress isn’t just headlines — it’s about small-scale, high-impact projects that change livelihoods. Can’t wait to see where these 2,000 new initiatives pop up next! 🚀
Reference(s):
China reaffirms commitment to common development through GDI
cgtn.com
