BY KINGSLEY E.HOPE

Undoubtedly,China has emerged as a leader in global cooperation, particularly in poverty reduction and green development.

In fact, the country’s remarkable progress in lifting over 750 million people out of poverty some four decades ago, has  become a topical issue which has inspired nations worldwide.

The country’s Global Development Initiative (GDI), proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2021, aims to accelerate the implementation of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The commitment of China to sustainable development, prioritizes green growth, innovation, and international cooperation.

The GDI focuses on eight key areas, including poverty reduction, food security, pandemic response, financing for development, climate change, green development, industrialization.

Talk about China’s poverty alleviation,the  strategy focuses on rural development, investing in rural infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

President Xi Jinping

On economic empowerment, it has  been providing training, microfinance, and job opportunities, while its social welfare aspect is ensuring access to basic services, such as healthcare and social security.

To create eco-friendly infrastructure,the project has been developing sustainable transportation systems and green buildings, ensuring environmental conservation, by way of protecting biodiversity, forests, and water resources.

The GDI has made significant strides in Africa, fostering cooperation and development across the continent.
We can look at some examples of African nations that have benefited from China’s broader development initiatives.

Key among the beneficiaries are:
South Africa, a key partner of the BRI, which has seen significant investments in infrastructure development, including transportation and energy projects.

Egypt has also benefited  heavily in terms of infrastructure, including the construction of the Suez Canal Economic Zone and various transportation projects.

Nigeria cannot be ruled out as China has provided significant financial support to their infrastructure development, including rail and road projects.

In Kenya, China has invested in transportation infrastructure, including the construction of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway.

Ethiopia has been supported in their industrialization efforts, including the development of industrial parks and manufacturing facilities.

Indeed, the GDI has been promoted through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was launched a decade ago by President Xi Jinping aiming to create a vast network of economic corridors, fostering global trade, investment, and cooperation, with China at its center.

In his ‘Governance of China’ book, on shared humanity President Xi Jinping said “there is only one earth and we humans have only one home…earth is still the only home we have so to care for and cherish it is our only option…we should not only think about our own generation, but also to take responsibility for those to come”.

According to President Xi Jinping “China stands for building a community of shared future for mankind and achieving inclusive and win-win development”.

To press home their effort to ensure development for all in the world, he continued “China has benefited from the world in its development, and China has also contributed to the world’s development;

“We will continue to pursue a mutually beneficial opening-up strategy, share our development opportunities with other countries and welcome them on board the train of China’s development”.

The above quotes provide insight into President Xi Jinping’s vision for China’s development and governance, emphasizing the importance of participation, international cooperation, and sustainable growth.

The quotes sum up the simple reason China is sharing its expertise and investing in green infrastructure, as well, and demonstrating its commitment to a more equitable and sustainable world.

As the global community continues to address pressing development challenges, China’s leadership and cooperation is very crucial in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

China has been actively engaged in global cooperation efforts to reduce poverty and promote green development and that has been strengthened through
established partnerships with various international organizations, including the United Nations, to support global development cooperation.

The collaboration with the United Nations  also gears toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change initiatives.

There has been collaboration with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), to  finance sustainable infrastructure projects, as well as partnership with Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa on development and climate issues.

China,on climate change and green development, has committed to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable development.

The country has also launched the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund with a total input of $4 billion.

Additionally, China has pledged to increase its contribution to the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund.