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Tag: Global Governance Initiative

  • THE END OF MORAL AUTHORITY: HOW AMERICA’S LAWLESS POWER GRAB IN VENEZUELA STRENGTHENS CHINA’S GLOBAL GOVERNANCE VISION

    THE END OF MORAL AUTHORITY: HOW AMERICA’S LAWLESS POWER GRAB IN VENEZUELA STRENGTHENS CHINA’S GLOBAL GOVERNANCE VISION

    By Prof Udenta O Udenta

    When U.S. Marines stormed Caracas in early January 2026 and seized President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, the world paused. A sitting head of state was abducted, flown out of his country, and put on trial in a U.S. court. Washington framed it as an anti-“narco-terrorism” operation. Internationally, it was a seismic rupture as well as a brazen assault on sovereignty and the principle of non-intervention that has anchored global stability since 1945.

    FLAGRANT VIOLATION OF INTERNATIONAL LAW

    The UN Charter is explicit: Article 2(4) forbids force against any state’s territorial integrity or political independence, except in self-defense or with Security Council authorization. Neither condition applied. There was no imminent threat to U.S. security, and the UN granted no mandate. Abducting a head of state, shielded by sovereign immunity, is a flagrant violation of law and diplomatic protocol.
    The 1970 UN Declaration on Friendly Relations describes such acts as “aggression,” while Resolution 3314 identifies the abduction of leaders as unlawful coercion. This was not law enforcement. It was lawlessness masquerading as virtue. History repeats itself: in 1989, the U.S. invaded Panama, captured General Noriega, and flew him to Miami. International condemnation followed. Venezuela is the latest theatre of the same imperial reflex.

    TRUMP’S GLOBAL TEMPER TANTRUM
    Trump’s foreign policy increasingly resembles a global temper tantrum. Open threats to Iran, Mexico, Colombia, the Greenland gambit, and even self-proclamation as acting president of Venezuela reveal a reckless pattern. These actions destabilize regions and undermine U.S. credibility. The Western bloc must speak with one voice to restrain this lawlessness.
    Behind the bravado lie familiar motives: greed, resource control, and global influence. Venezuela’s oil reserves make it a strategic prize. The U.S. now insists on controlling up to fifty million barrels of crude and compelling Caracas to buy U.S.-made goods; a form of economic domination masquerading as liberation.
    What makes this morally incoherent is the refusal to press for immediate free and fair elections. By delaying the electoral process, the U.S. can consolidate gains and shape a compliant political apparatus. Liberation becomes prolonged oversight, and sovereignty becomes subordinate to Washington’s strategic and commercial interests.

    THE NIGERIAN “CHRISTIAN GENOCIDE” NARRATIVE
    Trump’s rhetoric about a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria illustrates manipulation of moral narratives for political gain. The 2025 Christmas Day strike in Sokoto targeted terrorist cells, yet U.S. media framed it as anti-Christian violence. Investigations revealed extremists responsible for kidnappings and killings cut across religious lines.
    Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy with vast oil reserves and the continent’s largest workforce, is more than a security concern. Framing internal violence as religious persecution simplifies reality and serves U.S. political and economic objectives: galvanizing evangelical support, justifying intervention, and pressuring Abuja on oil-sector policies favourable to Washington.
    The narrative obscures Nigerian agency and side-lines regional solutions through ECOWAS and the African Union. In short, moral pretexts conceal strategic designs.

    CHINA: PARTNERSHIP OVER COERCION
    While the U.S. flexes military muscle, China builds partnerships. Its Global Governance Initiative (GGI) emphasizes cooperation, respect for sovereignty, and shared development.
    Beyond GGI, China’s diplomacy is tangible. Angola benefited from post-war rail and power reconstruction; Kenya expanded renewable energy and tech cooperation; Mali and Niger received mediation support; Nigeria and Congo gained financial support and transport infrastructure; South Sudan stabilized after decades of conflict with Chinese support.
    China’s approach contrasts sharply with the U.S.: no sanctions, no ultimatums, just engineers, planners, and patient collaboration. Its initiatives promote peace, economic growth, and multilateralism. Whether motivated by altruism or interest, China fosters interdependence, not intimidation.

    COERCION VERSUS COOPERATION
    The world is witnessing two visions of global order. Trump’s America seeks dominance through fear and unilateralism. China invests in infrastructure, dialogue, and cooperation.
    The GGI is more than a framework; it embodies a worldview where global problems such as poverty, climate change, disease, and conflict, require multilateral solutions. Trump’s “America First” approach revives imperialist logic under a modern guise.
    Across Africa, from Ethiopia to Angola, China’s presence is tangible: railways, hospitals, industrial zones. The difference is clear: the U.S. imposes conditions; China builds capacity. Its diplomacy reinforces stability, peace, and equitable growth.

    A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT
    By abducting Venezuela’s president, the U.S. revives the Noriega precedent of 1989. If a powerful nation can seize another’s leader under the guise of law enforcement, no state is fully sovereign.
    This sets a chilling standard. International institutions are weakened. Law is subordinated to might. If force dictates legitimacy, the world risks returning to pre-modern power dynamics where the strong dominate and the rule of law becomes optional.

    CALL FOR GLOBAL RESILIENCE
    The abduction of Venezuela’s president is a moral tragedy. It tears at global order, revives conquest-era ethos, and exposes systemic fragility.

    If the UN Charter and sovereignty still hold value, this act cannot pass unchallenged. Collective governance, where nations cooperate as equals, must take precedence over unilateral crusades.


    The ultimate question: will law restrain power, or will the world once again bow to the ruthless logic of tyranny?

  • The Global Governance Initiative and the Quest for a Multipolar World

    The Global Governance Initiative and the Quest for a Multipolar World

    By Prof. Udenta O. Udenta

    The world is changing, and the winds of that change are no longer blowing from a single direction. For decades, the global order has danced to the familiar rhythm of Western dominance, a system where a few powerful states set the tempo while others followed in step. However, today, the drumbeats are multiplying. From Beijing to Moscow, from Brasília to Pretoria, voices once considered peripheral are finding their cadence. As the world drifts from Western dominance toward shared power, the Global Governance Initiative offers Africa and Nigeria in particular, a new stage to shape global fairness and equity.

    The Global Governance Initiative (GGI)

    The Global Governance Initiative (GGI), launched by China, represents a progressive international framework aimed at enhancing cooperation among nations to address pressing global issues such as climate change, inequality, and sustainable development. Central to GGI’s mission is the transformation of established global institutions such as the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank – to ensure they are more inclusive, transparent, and attuned to the complexities of contemporary geopolitical dynamics. By advocating for a recalibration of global power structures, the initiative seeks to diminish Western hegemony while elevating the influence of emerging economies, especially those from the Global South, thereby fostering a more equitable and multipolar world order.

    A World Beyond the Old Order

    The world is moving beyond the old order. For much of modern history, global governance has been built around Western dominated institutions such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and NATO. The West has acted as both the architect and the referee of this system. While this post-World War II framework brought stability, it also cemented inequalities that continue to influence international relations today.
    The Global Governance Initiative emerges as a quiet yet bold call for change. It insists that fairness and inclusivity, rather than dominance or dependency, should shape the next chapter of global cooperation. By focusing on sovereign equality, true multilateralism, the rule of law, and development centered on people, the GGI echoes the Global South’s call for a more balanced and just international order.
    In the words of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the GGI “is not about replacing one system with another but about improving global governance so that every country’s voice counts.” This message is subtle but profound: the world is shifting from command to consensus, from dominance to dialogue.
    The Western monopoly on moral authority and agenda-setting is giving way to a more diverse framework; one that welcomes the legitimacy of many worldviews. The era of a single voice speaking for all is fading, and consequently, a multipolar world is beginning to take shape. As an African saying reminds us, “No matter how long the night, the day will surely break.” The new dawn of global governance promises shared power and shared purpose.

    China and Africa: Partners in Fairness and Equity

    China and Africa share a unique kinship; both have wrestled with marginalization and both seek reform of a system that often overlooks the needs of developing nations. As the African proverb goes, “Until the lion learns to write, the story will always glorify the hunter,” underscoring the importance of Africa having an active voice on the global stage. Similarly, China, with its own journey of overcoming historic exclusion, positions itself through the GGI not as a hegemon but as a partner committed to equity, justice, and genuine cooperation. Africa’s engagement with the GGI aligns with its broader aspiration to carve out a more prominent role globally. The 2025 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Changsha Declaration explicitly advocates for an “equal and orderly multipolar world,” reflecting a desire for governance that mirrors the diversity of its peoples and the equality of nations. Both China and Africa can exemplify a new form of partnership; one rooted in mutual respect and pragmatic collaboration, rather than aid dependency. As the African saying goes, “Wisdom does not come overnight,” emphasizing patience and collective effort. Through the GGI, they aim to promote:
    Fairness: Every country, regardless of size or strength, deserves a voice at the global table.
    Inclusivity: Addressing the concerns of developing nations, from debt to climate change, as central to international policy.
    Equity: Reforming global financial institutions to amplify the voice of the developing world, making it more legitimate and representative. This partnership reflects a shared understanding that “a bird with one wing cannot fly,” emphasizing unity and mutual support for sustainable progress.
    For too long, Africa has been described as the world’s “next frontier.” Under a multipolar order, it must instead be recognized as a current partner – vibrant, strategic, and essential to the architecture of global governance.

    Multipolarity and the Power of Global South Cooperation

    One of the most transformative ideas within the GGI is the emphasis on Global South (Africa, Asia, and Latin America) cooperation/collaboration among developing countries to reduce reliance on single power blocs.
    A multipolar world encourages Africa, Asia, and Latin America to build horizontal relationships; trading, investing, and innovating together, rather than waiting for direction from traditional Western centers of power.
    This shift allows African countries to:
    Diversify partnerships beyond traditional Western ties;
    Pursue infrastructure, technology, and trade cooperation aligned with their own development goals;
    Reduce economic vulnerability by spreading risks across multiple partners;
    Reclaim moral and intellectual agency in defining global narratives.
    Indeed, the GGI reflects a world where the Global South no longer whispers its grievances but speaks its vision.
    Africa’s journey toward this cooperative future is visible in frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which creates a unified market across 54 nations, and in regional organizations like ECOWAS and SADC that are deepening continental integration.
    In such a world, dependency gives way to interdependence. As another African proverb wisely puts it, “When spiders unite, they can tie down a lion.” Africa’s unity and partnerships through initiatives like the GGI can indeed tie down old hierarchies and reshape global priorities.

    Nigeria’s Voice in a Changing World

    Nigeria, as Africa’s largest democracy and one of its biggest economies, stands at the crossroads of this transformation. With its vast human capital and strategic influence, Nigeria’s participation in the GGI framework signals both opportunity and responsibility.

    Through the lens of multi-polarity, Nigeria can champion policies that reflect Africa’s growing confidence, from reforming global financial institutions to shaping digital governance and climate justice. Nigeria’s leadership can manifest in several ways:
    Institutional advocacy – pushing for reform of the UN Security Council, IMF, and World Bank to reflect Africa’s realities;
    Economic leadership – using AfCFTA as a platform to strengthen regional trade and industrial value chains;
    Policy innovation – leading global conversations on renewable energy, technology transfer, and food security;
    Cultural diplomacy – showcasing Africa’s intellectual and moral contributions to the world stage.
    By engaging through the GGI, Nigeria can help redefine what it means to be a “Global South” nation, not as a dependent actor but as a co-designer of global rules that govern trade, finance, and cooperation.
    More importantly, Nigeria’s participation would help ensure that Africa’s aspirations for security, dignity, and development are reflected in global decisions, not merely acknowledged in rhetoric.

    A Future Built on Shared Power

    The Global Governance Initiative is not a perfect blueprint, but it represents a courageous attempt to bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality, between the ideal of cooperation and the practice of power politics.
    Its true test lies in whether it can foster genuine partnerships rather than new hierarchies. Yet, its spirit resonates strongly with the world’s yearning for fairness, inclusion, and shared responsibility.
    For Africa, this is a historic moment. The continent stands not at the margins but at the center of global transformation; no longer reacting to change but defining it.
    For Nigeria, the challenge is clear: to lend its ideas, energy, and leadership to building a multipolar world that reflects the diversity of human experience and the dignity of all nations.
    The unipolar era taught us efficiency but not equality; the multipolar age may teach us cooperation, if we dare to learn.

    Ultimately, the quest for a multipolar world is not about rivalry but renewal; a renewal of trust, fairness, and global solidarity. If humanity is to thrive in the 21st century, governance must mirror its diversity. That is the promise of the Global Governance Initiative, and the opportunity that Nigeria and Africa must not ignore.

    About the Author
    Prof. Udenta O. Udenta is Nigeria’s founding National Secretary of the Alliance for Democracy and a prominent public intellectual. He writes frequently on political reform, international relations, and African development from a multidisciplinary perspective.

  • Nigeria-China Relations and the Global Governance Initiative

    Nigeria-China Relations and the Global Governance Initiative

    By Charles Onunaiju

    Last July, at the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Brazil, with the theme of “Strengthening Global South Cooperation and Promoting a more Inclusive and Sustainable Global Governance”, Nigeria’s President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu called for “a financial restructuring and a re-evaluation of the global social and governance order”, and added that “Nigeria re-affirms its commitment to strategic collaboration that translates into sustainable and inclusive development for all”.

    Now, an important opportunity and strategic platform has offered itself for Nigeria to translate her resolve and “commitment to strategic collaboration” into practical action that would give effect to “sustainable and inclusive development”.

    At the recent Summit, of the 25th Heads of States Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held in the Chinese city of Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), and expressed China’s resolve to “work with all countries for a more just and equitable global governance system and advance toward a community with a shared future for humanity”. He went further to outline the essential and basic features of the proposed Global Governance Initiative to include first and foremost, sovereign equality, which recognizes the equal weight and stake of all states in the international system which must translate to inclusive decision-making and equitable participation of all State actors thereby giving effect to the democratisation of the international system.

    Additionally, the Initiative holds that the representation and voice of the developing countries should be further enhanced and this clearly aligns with Nigeria’s and Africa’s long standing demands for the reform of key international institutions to reflect the realities and especially, the coming into reckoning of Africa and other countries in the Global South to the emerging multi-polar international order.

    The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) also calls for unconditional adherence to the United Nations system as the embodiment of universally recognized expression of the law and rule-based system of international intercourse , while cautioning that “the house rules of a few countries must not be imposed on others”.

    The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) further emphasize multilateralism which shall be entrenched in the architecture of global governance system that would be characterized by “extensive consultations and joint contribution for shared benefit”, and further reaffirmed the centrality of the United Nations, whose authority and key role is irreplaceable in global governance. The proposed framework for Global governance underscored the fact that the initiative would not be just about the “games, Nations play”, but should be one that “ensure that the people of every nation are the actors in and beneficiaries of Global governance, so as to better tackle the common challenges of mankind. Only the People-centered approach to global governance can guarantee and deliver tangible results.

    The fifth leg of the proposed Initiative would focus on “taking real actions”, that produce tangible results.

    Traditional international forums are usually characterized as platforms for grandstanding and diplomatic circus- show where actors say what they did not mean and with little effects on delivering tangible outcomes. Nigeria and Africa have been on the receiving end of international grandstanding and highfalutin Western proposals that deliver little or nothing in practice.

    For example, in 2013, U.S President Obama launched Power Africa Initiative, meant to double access to electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa where estimated 600 million people lack access then. This year, (2025) the U.S government shut down the Power Africa Initiative for persistent failure to meet targets and lack of significant progress. A report in 2019 revealed that Power Africa Initiative overstated its achievements, with many projects and energy deals, never materializing and most of modest new connections then, coming from mere handled solar lanterns. Even, the U.S -led Build Back Better (B3W) world, a project to supposedly address and support global infrastructure deficit and rival China,s Belt and Road Initiative, fell apart before its one year anniversary for zero funding outlay.

    In the proposed Initiative on Global Governance, actions will speak louder than words. The Chinese leader said that “the Global Governance Initiative would adopt a systematic and holistic approach, coordinate global actions, fully mobilize various resources” to strive and bring about more visible and practical outcomes. The new map of global governance envisaged by the Initiative, would uphold the original commitment to peaceful co-existence, build and strengthen confidence in win-win cooperation and more crucially advance forward, in line with the trend of history and also thrive, as it keeps pace with the times.

    Nigeria-China comprehensive strategic partnership declared by the two sides during President Tinubu,s State visit to China last year would now more effectively function as an important platform to advance their shared vision of global governance reforms, whose important features have been meticulously articulated in the Global Governance Initiative (GGI).

    As it is remarkably well known, China’s Initiatives are not empty talks or political grandstanding because they are issued from an in-depth and rigorous study of the subjects in question, in all their historical dimensions and reflect the trends that shape contemporary human prospects and outlook. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an outstanding international public goods for which over 150 countries are currently in partnership, with more than a decade of seamless operation and China,s investment of more than one trillion U.S dollars exemplifies the successful practice of “extensive consultations and joint contributions for shared benefits”.

    Nigeria and China have elaborate consultative mechanism through the institutionalized process of inter-governmental dialogue, which have enriched bilateral cooperation between the two sides and enabled misconceptions of understanding and challenges in cooperation to be solved through more cooperation and not less. In the specific instance of the proposed Global Governance Initiative (GGI), the mechanism for extensive bilateral cooperation between the two sides can be used to mutually enrich the vision of global governance reforms and methodically advance it on the global platform because it reflects the shared concerns of both sides.

    The existential framework of China and Nigeria cooperation that have withstood the test of time and remarkably and currently reached their best time in history and even more room for growth, can sustainably drive their efforts into rallying the world to the prospects and practical roadmap to realize the issues in the Global Governance Initiative.

    The Initiative resonate with Africa’s historical calls for equitable and inclusive international system that is both non-discriminatory and fully democratic. It also reflects, Africa’s concerns that the International governance system should solve real problems, and produce practical outcomes, as a meaningful response to the many challenges confronting humanity. There is a common understanding that humankind is becoming a community of shared future and the corollary to this understanding is that a global governance mechanism that would adequately respond to this challenges must be inclusive and broadly participatory and the Initiative on global governance provides an outline for such important undertakings.

    The vision of the common humanity can be more practically realized within the framework of a Global governance apparatus that reflect both the general and common will of all the peoples, whose most extant institutional representation is currently the United Nations system.

    The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) has come at a very opportune time when humanity is at a cross road and the choice it has to make is both grim and optimistic and a buff of fresh air has just emerged to compel humanity in the direction to work for not only, for self-preservation but collective security with the obvious dividends of universal peace and shared prosperity.

    Mr. Onunaiju is Research Director of Abuja based Think Tank.

  • China’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI): Implications And Prospect For A New World Order

    China’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI): Implications And Prospect For A New World Order

    By Dr. Austin Maho

    A critical examination of the recently unveiled Global Governance Initiative (GGI) by Chinese President Xi Jinping is revealing and ground breaking. What stand out is evident: equality, mutuality, rule based global order, shared development and shared future for mankind. These have implications in the search for a new global governance order, Africa and Nigeria.

    Introduced at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, the GGI seeks to promote a more just and equitable global governance system, addressing pressing global challenges and fostering international cooperation.

    Why is President Xi Jinping’s new Global Governance Initiative unique and what are its implications and prospects ?

    Unveiled at the recently concluded Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, the GGI marks a significant shift in the global quest for a new world governance order.

    Evidently, what the Tianjin summit demonstrates is that the SCO is no longer narrowly focused on security cooperation among member states but has transitioned instead to a global organization with a mandate covering economics, poliitics, development, and governance.

    It is within this context that the Global Government Initiative, GGI, unveiled by President Xi Jinping must be understood.

    At a time when the world is witnessing unilaterism, when globalization is being replaced by parochial nationalist, political ideology and rethorics, when tariffs have become the new weapon of global dominance and subjugation driving wedges among developing powers, the SCO stood as an venue not only for multilateral agreements but also for healing divides, fostering trust and building global consensus on governance.

    The summit confirmed the SCO’s ambition to influence the shape of global governance. President Xi described the organization as a leader in promoting multipolarity and greater democracy in international relations. The Tianjin Declaration reflected this stance, laying out a shared vision of international order
    anchored in the United Nations system, adjusted to nations’ perculiarities and conditions.

    The current global order is structurally flawed and skewed in favor of the West. It reflects and promotes Western dominance rather than universally agreed norms. The Global Governance Initiative (GGI), is a counterpoise offering an alternative that is rooted in respect for sovereignty, multipolarity and a rule based global system with the United Nations at its core.

    The GGI is built on five core principles: sovereign equality, international rule of law grounded in the UN Charter, multilateralism as the basis of governance, a people-centered approach that prioritizes common development, and pragmatism focused on measurable outcomes.

    Beijing has identified the global financial system, artificial intelligence, cyberspace, climate change, international trade, and outer space as priority areas for rule-making. The GGI’s overarching goal is to create new institutions and norms that better represent the Global South, restore the UN’s centrality, and increase the effectiveness of global governance structure and mechanism.

    Through the GGI, China is laying the intellectual ground work for the enthronwment of a new world order.

    Since 2021 China has dedicated itself to providing the intellectual and philosophical foundation and push in building a new world order. We all share a common humanity irrespective of our differences. “A single flower does not make spring, while one hundred flowers in full bloom bring spring to the garden.” President Xi Jinping has quoted this old Chinese saying to express his vision on the common development of the world and to convey his appreciation of diversity and inclusiveness.

    The GGI is the latest in a series of initiatives China has advanced to promote a new global order; before now there were the: The Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. These proposals are the building blocks the philosophical and policy foundation for Xi’s broad concept of building a “community with a shared future for mankind.”

    The aim is clear: to rally international support for a new, multipolar order that eliminates Western hegemony and safeguards peaceful coexistence among peoples of the world irrespective of ethic, religious or political differences.

    Evidently, the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) is transformative and significant to the global south particularly Africa and Nigeria.

    AFRICA AND THE GGI

    With FOCAC, China has always had Africa in its radar as a friend and a partner. The GGI would further consolidate this partnership as it aims to promote reforms in the UN Security Council and international financial system, allowing African countries to have a greater voice in global governance.

    Currently, the United Nations is only “UNITED” by name but actually skewed in fabour of the West. Europe for instance in terms of landmass and population is incomparable to Africa but Europe has a total of 3 seats in the UN Security Council, with 2 being non-permanent seats and 1 permanent seat held by the United Kingdom and France, while africa has non!

    This lack of representation is unfair. Africa constitutes over a quarter of the UN membership but has no permanent seats on the Security Council, despite being the subject of roughly 70% of the Council’s deliberations. Furthermore the five permanent members hold veto power, while African countries do not, despite their significant contributions to global peacekeeping. Consequently, the Council’s composition is seen as unrepresentative of the international community, with Africa’s voice often drowned in global power play.

    This historical injustice hindged on a bygone colonial era inequalities does not reflect contemporary realities. A situation whereby some Western nations deploy the UN platform to prioritize their national interests over global peace and security, is counter productive to the UN Charter.
    Africa’s interests and that of the global south as a whole must be represented
    for global peace and sustainable development. The decades old cry for Africa to have two permanent seats with veto power would enhance its representation and influence and make the UN a truly global body that has divested itself from colonial mentality of treating Africa like a vassal.

    The GGI can become the new platform for equity, justice and fairness for Africa.

    Historically, China-Africa cooperation has a solid foundation, based on mutual trust and respect. Both have stood shoulder to shoulder to confront global challenges and promote mutual interests.

    China has always supported Africa’s development, through the instrumentality of The Forum For China Africa Cooperation, FOCAC, China is providing the technology and capital for the development of critical infrastructure in connectivity, healthcare, agricultural, green energy among others.

    At the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit. (FOCAC Beijing summit of 2024),
    China launched several cooperation plans with Africa, including the “Ten Cooperation Plans” and “Ten Partnership Actions for China-Africa Collaboration on Modernization”
    According to Chinese President Xi Jinping, the partnership aims to deepen China-Africa cooperation and spearhead the Global South modernization and cooperation. The initiative covers areas such as mutual learning between civilizations, trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, and green development, among others with massive financial support running into hundreds of billions of RMB.

    China has always being at the forefront of the campaign for a reformation of the UN
    China has demonstrated committment to working with African countries to address global challenges through dialogue and a rule based United Nations.
    Reforming and improving global governance which the GGI summit advocates cannot be achieved without an overhaul and critical reform of the UN in the promotion of a just and equitable global system that serves both the West and the South.

    NIGERIA AND THE GGI

    As the largest country in Africa in terms of population and one of the largest economies, Nigeria is a key strategic partner of China.

    Last year after the visit of Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the 9th FOCAC in Beijing, a major outcome was the upgrade of China Nigeria relations to Comprehensive Strategic. The implication of this upgrade is massive and demonstrates the growing trust and comradeship between both countries working together to promote development and global governance reforms.

    There is no doubt that the GGI can contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth by promoting infrastructure development, healthcare, and agricultural modernization.

    Nigeria’s participation in the GGI can enhance its global influence, Nigeria has been at the forefront of Campaign for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a camoaign anchored on its contributions to global peace and security. Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has been vocal about the need for Nigeria’s inclusion in the UNSC for fair and equitable representation. The GGI can become the platform for this campaign.

    Happily, the Chairman of the Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria–China Parliamentary Relations Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu is on page and has expressed strong support for the GGI, describing it as a “timely and visionary framework for addressing the challenges of global governance in a rapidly changing world”, noting that its goals aligns closely with Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities and its commitment to South–South cooperation.

    As Chairman of this very important Committee in the Nigeria Parliament Hon. Yakubu promised to provide legislative and institutional backing to ensure that Nigeria’s participation in the initiative results in concrete policies and programmes that deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

    According to him, the GGI, framework presents opportunities for deeper cooperation between Nigeria and China stressing that such, “collaboration would not only support Nigeria’s national development agenda but also contribute to building a more balanced and inclusive international governance system that reflects the aspirations of emerging economies”, towards a fairer and more equitable world order.

    Overall, the GGI has the potential to promote a more equitable, fair and just global governance system, with Africa and Nigeria playing a greater role in international affairs.

  • Actively Implementing the Global Governance Initiative, Jointly Building a China-Africa and China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future

    Actively Implementing the Global Governance Initiative, Jointly Building a China-Africa and China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future

    By Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria

    On September 1, 2025, President Xi Jinping solemnly proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus Meeting held in Tianjin, China. With its profound insight into the times, broad humanistic commitment and clear value orientation, this initiative aims to address a pressing subject of our times which has attracted high attention from the international community, namely what kind of global governance system to build and how to reform and improve global governance. It further contributes Chinese wisdom and proposes a Chinese approach to strengthening and improving global governance, injecting more stability and certainty into a turbulent world.

    Today, transformative changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world, while the lingering gloom of Cold War mentality, hegemonism, and protectionism continues to cast a shadow. Humanity is confronted with unprecedented challenges as the world enters a new phase of turbulence and transformation, and global governance now stands at a critical juncture. The world is in greater need of strengthening global governance than ever before, and the GGI comes at an opportune time. Regarding it as the fundamental guideline to uphold the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and practice the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, the GGI seeks to promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system and work together for a community with a shared future for humanity.

    To be more specific, the GGI embodies five core concepts: First, adhere to sovereign equality. All countries, regardless of size, strength or wealth, shall have the right to participate in, make decisions in and benefit from the global governance as equals. Second, abide by the international rule of law. There shall be no double standards, and the self-defined rules of a few countries must not be imposed upon others. Third, practice multilateralism.The irreplaceable and crucial role of the United Nations in global governance must be given full play. Fourth, advocate a people-centered approach. It is essential to ensure that people of all nations jointly participate in global governance and share in its outcomes. Fifth, focus on taking real actions. More tangible results should be delivered, and global governance should avoid lagging behind the times or becoming fragmented.

    The above five core concepts advocated by the GGI are closely aligned with the inherent needs of China-Africa and China-Nigeria cooperation. Africa, which includes 54 United Nations member states, is the continent with the largest concentration of developing countries. It is not only an important participant in global governance but also a major force driving global multi-polarization. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country and major economy, serves as a critical growth engine on the continent and an influential representative of the Global South. It is also a key strategic partner for China in Africa. It is fair to say that China-Africa and China-Nigeria cooperation not only enjoy a solid historical foundation but also  correspond to practical needs of reforming the global governance system and transforming the global order.

    The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations, which represented a pioneering practice by the international community in initiating global governance. In 1971, African countries strongly supported the restoration of the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations, with Nigeria casting a sacred vote in favor. This moment marked the beginning of the joint participation of African nations and the People’s Republic of China in global governance. In 1992, China worked closely with the Group of 77, in which African countries served as a major force, ultimately leading to the incorporation of the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” into the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Since the 21st century, China has actively promoted solutions to address the under-representation of African countries in the United Nations, advocating that the Security Council reform must genuinely reflect international fairness and justice, prioritize correcting historical injustices faced by Africa, and support special arrangements to address Africa’s demands as a priority. In 2022, China took the lead in explicitly expressing support for the African Union’s accession to the G20 and facilitated the formal admission of the African Union as a member of the G20 the following year. The Beijing Declaration issued at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024 emphasized that China supports African countries in playing a greater influential role in global governance, particularly within inclusive frameworks addressing global issues, and will continue to support Africa-related priorities in G20 affairs. China also appreciated and welcomed more African countries joining the BRICS family. Shortly thereafter, Nigeria, with China’s active support, became a BRICS partner country. China firmly supports Africa’s efforts to enhance its international standing and voice, fully demonstrating the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, and profoundly illustrating China’s role as a major country in promoting the improvement of global governance.

    The year 2025 also marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the FOCAC. The FOCAC mechanism itself is a model of the vision of the global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit. Guided by the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith towards Africa and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests, China is committed to supporting Africa in advancing its integration and enhancing its capacity for self-driven development. From the “Ten Cooperation Plans” and the “Eight Major Initiatives” to the “Nine Programs” and the recently launched “Ten Partnership Actions for China-Africa Collaboration on Modernization,” a series of practical cooperation plans have focused on Africa’s priority areas such as infrastructure connectivity, healthcare, agricultural modernization, and capacity building. This cooperation comes with no political strings attached, emphasizes action-oriented approaches and aims to enhance the “self-development capacity” of African countries, representing a tangible contribution to building a more just and equitable global governance system. On September 3, 2024, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid a state visit to China and attended the FOCAC Beijing Summit. The leaders of the two countries jointly announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and were committed to building a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future. Over the past year, China-Nigeria relations have achieved rapid growth across all sectors. We have more frequent high-level exchanges, deeper political and strategic trust as well as increasingly substantial outcomes in practical cooperation. We have supported each other on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns, while maintaining sound communication and coordination in international and regional affairs under a results-oriented approach. We can proudly say that China and Nigeria are setting an exemplary model for South-South cooperation.

    In conclusion, Chinese president Xi Jinping has proposed four major initiatives to date: the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). Together, these initiatives form the four pillars for building a community with a shared future for mankind. The GDI focuses on promoting international cooperation on development, the GSI on encouraging dialogue and consultation over international discord, the GCI on promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and the GGI on the direction, principle and path for reforming the global governance systems and institutions. The four initiatives have their respective priorities and can be pursued simultaneously. They will each be a source of positive energy for a changing and turbulent world and impetus for humanity’s development and progress.

    China is willing to work with African countries, including Nigeria, under the framework of the GGI to promote reforms in the UN Security Council and the international financial system, to make the existing international system and international institutions better at taking actions and working effectively, to step up coordination among multilateral bodies, and to prioritize consensus-building in such areas as the international financial architecture, artificial intelligence, cyberspace, climate change, trade and outer space to bring about early harvests.

    The successful practices of China-Africa and China-Nigeria cooperation demonstrate that the GGI embodies strong vitality and broad prospects for development. Moving forward, China will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with African countries, especially our Nigerian friends, to actively advance the GGI, jointly address global challenges and work toward building a community with a shared future for mankind.