Editor's note: Xu Ying is a Beijing-based international affairs commentator for CGTN. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

At a moment when humanity confronts profound turbulence, the proposal of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) offers not merely an idea but a compass. Announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization plus" Meeting in Tianjin, China, the initiative rests on a simple yet profound conviction: Global governance must be centered on the people.

In a world shaken by challenges ranging from climate change to pandemics, from geopolitical rivalry to widening development gaps, the call to put people first is both urgent and transformative.

The principle of placing people at the heart of governance is not only a longstanding value in Chinese philosophy but also a central tenet of China's approach to governance in the new era. Translated onto the global stage, it means that international cooperation must serve the interests of all peoples, not merely the privileged few. Reform of global institutions must deliver tangible benefits to ordinary lives, ensuring that no individual or nation is left behind.

Development, above all, must be people-centered. The world still grapples with poverty, hunger and inequality, while many developing nations face structural barriers to modernization. Reform of global governance cannot remain an elite discourse detached from these realities. It must instead prioritize narrowing the wealth gap and bridging the North-South divide, while accelerating the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To succeed, globalization itself must be reshaped to become more open, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial to all.

Inequality and underdevelopment are root causes of instability; inclusive growth provides the foundation for lasting peace and stability. China's own development story, which has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and contributed to global development through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, demonstrates the transformative power of people-centered policies. The GGI aims to sustain this momentum globally, making modernization a common path rather than a privilege reserved for a few.

Putting people first also redefines how security is understood. Genuine security is not measured by the stockpiles of weapons or by the dominance of one bloc over another, but by the sense of safety felt by ordinary people in their daily lives. A truly secure world is one where individuals can live free from fear and where stability is not monopolized by the strong but guaranteed for all.

The GGI envisions a fair and just security architecture, one that is shared. Building such an environment requires cooperation to resolve disputes peacefully, resist unilateral coercion and reject the logic of zero-sum confrontation. By focusing on the real needs of people, such as peaceful communities, stable livelihoods and protection from transnational threats, this vision charts a path toward common security that benefits all humanity.

Nowhere is people-centered governance more vital than in addressing the issues that will define the future of humankind. From combating climate change to managing the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence, global cooperation is indispensable.

The GGI emphasizes that these challenges must not become arenas of rivalry but rather platforms for collaboration. It calls on nations to bridge differences, enhance dialogue and ensure that scientific and technological progress, as well as environmental protection, deliver benefits equitably.

To make this vision workable, the GGI is anchored in other principles that provide necessary safeguards. Sovereign equality ensures that every nation, regardless of its size, wealth, or status, has an equal voice in shaping global rules. The rule of law ensures that international norms are applied fairly, rather than selectively wielded as tools of advantage. Multilateralism, anchored in the central role of the United Nations, reminds the world that only collective solutions can meet collective challenges. These safeguards ensure that people-centered development does not remain an aspiration but can thrive in a system that is fair, predictable and inclusive.

Principles alone, however, are insufficient. The GGI emphasizes an action-oriented approach, translating its vision into results that can be measured in the well-being of people across the globe. This means systematic planning, pragmatic cooperation and coordinated mobilization of resources to address urgent challenges, ranging from strengthening global health resilience and fostering digital governance to protecting oceans and outer space as shared resources for all.

The true measure of global governance is not the number of declarations or communiques produced, but whether children gain access to education, whether families are protected from disease, whether workers benefit from sustainable growth, and whether the natural environment is preserved for future generations.

The road ahead is by no means free of obstacles. Old habits of power politics, rising protectionism and entrenched mistrust still cast long shadows over international cooperation. In some quarters, short-term interests are allowed to overshadow long-term responsibilities. Yet, it is precisely in this environment that the GGI demonstrates its value by offering an alternative vision that resists division, champions inclusivity and insists on solidarity. Above all, it anchors the legitimacy of governance in its ability to improve the lives of people, which must remain the benchmark of success.

As the ancient Chinese saying goes, "When the Great Way prevails, the world is for everyone." The GGI embodies this spirit, envisioning harmony rooted not in dominance but in balance and shared purpose. Just as rivers flow into the sea without losing their distinct character, so too can diverse nations contribute to a greater common good.

Ultimately, the initiative is more than just a Chinese proposal; it is a global invitation to reimagine governance as service to humanity, to anchor power in fairness and to let compassion guide cooperation. If nations can walk this path side by side, then humanity may build a future of peace, prosperity and dignity for all.

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