Ever wondered why putting equality first could reshape our world? 🌏 According to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s new Global Governance Initiative (GGI), a fairer system starts with five core principles:
- Sovereign equality: Every nation has the same rights and respect.
- International rule of law: We all play by shared rules.
- Multilateralism: Teamwork across borders.
- People-centered approach: Policies that focus on real human needs.
- Taking real actions: Turning promises into progress.
Let’s break it down. Inequality isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a reality. While tech and globalization opened doors, countries in the Global North still dominate trade, capital, and knowledge. A World Bank report found growth in developing nations dropped from 5.9% in the 2000s to 3.5% today. Meanwhile, two-thirds of people live in places where income gaps keep widening.
Think about our own neighborhoods: in many South and Southeast Asian cities, you can’t miss the digital hustle—ride-hailing pickups in Bangkok, mobile e-commerce in Manila, code bootcamps in Bengaluru. Yet, internet access remains below 60% in lower-middle-income countries, compared to over 80% in richer ones. This "digital divide" means AI and tech breakthroughs often leave less-connected communities behind.
AI is already changing the game by making manufacturing smarter and more automated. That’s great for efficiency, but it also makes it harder for economies that rely on labor-intensive industries. Without stronger digital infrastructure and inclusive policies, some regions risk falling further behind.
So what’s next? Focusing on equality means investing in reliable internet for all, supporting homegrown innovations, and crafting policies that uplift every corner of the globe. When every voice counts and every community has a fair shot, we’re not just talking global governance—we’re living it. 🚀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
