On September 1, 2025, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Meeting in Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). It’s built around five core ideas: sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and, most importantly, taking real actions.🌐✨
This initiative isn’t just policy talk—it’s about real-world impact. Gen Z voices from the United States, Syria, Palestine, and Vietnam weighed in, drawing on their unique backgrounds and experiences to explore what “tangible actions” look like today.
Take Jack Klumpp, an American expat who’s called the Chinese mainland home for seven years. For him, global cooperation isn’t just a headline topic—it shapes everyday life. He highlights China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy, saying it "increases travel potential and mobility of people around the world."✈️💼
“Imagine hopping between cities without visa stress—it’s a game-changer for backpackers, digital nomads, and anyone chasing international job opportunities,” Jack explains. He hopes to see more policies that break down borders—making it easier to travel, live, and work in our interconnected world.
Jack’s story shows how people-centered, action-driven governance can translate into more freedom to explore, learn, and build global networks. For tech-savvy, socially conscious youth like us, that means more chances to collaborate on innovation, cultural exchange, and sustainable projects—no matter where we’re from.
As Xi’s GGI takes shape, it’s clear that youth perspectives will be crucial. From visa reforms to climate partnerships, the next steps will decide whether these five pillars turn into real change for young people across South and Southeast Asia—and beyond. 🌏🤝
Reference(s):
Youth Perspective: 'Tangible actions' in the eyes of American youth
cgtn.com
