THE United Nations (UN) is 80 years old (1945-2025) and the current international situation is undergoing change and faces challenges.
Among them is the multilateralism system pioneered by the UN that is increasingly being challenged. For example, the representation from the Global South is decreasing even though it represents the voices of most countries. Their collective voice must be heard.
In addition, the erosion of the authority and trust in the UN because the objectives and principles of the UN Charter are often not adhered to and even Security Council Resolutions have been challenged. Actions that challenge the authority of international law are becoming more widespread, such as unilateral sanctions.
Implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is still far behind, such as climate change and the digital divide is becoming more prominent. The governance gap is increasingly worrying in new frontiers such as artificial intelligence (AI), cyberspace and outer space.
If the UN still wants to continue to function effectively and does not want to suffer the same fate as its predecessor, the League of Nations, then it must make internal reforms to remain relevant.
Various proposals have been put forward for the UN and the international system to be reformed and given a boost so that they can continue to function for the international community for the next five decades.
Among the proposals put forward is China's proposal for the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) as an effort to rebuild a more just and fair international governance system with a shared future for humanity.
The GGI was proposed by President Xi Jinping at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin on Sept 1, 2025. Malaysia also attended the SCO-Plus Summit. Malaysia's participation as the Asean chair in the SCO Summit is an effort to deepen Asean-SCO relations and serve as a bridge connecting Asean with SCO member countries in trade and common interests. The GGI has received a positive response from world leaders as it has highlighted a plan for a more just global governance amid geopolitical changes.
However, it must be emphasised that the GGI pioneered by China does not aspire to replace or be an alternative to the existing system. However, it aims to ensure that the existing system acts more effectively and fairly to all parties.
China’s initiative for a fairer world includes the GGI. Besides the GGI, there are other initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative (GDI), which is oriented towards international cooperation in development.
In addition, the Global Security Initiative (GSI) also informs dialogue and consultation over international discord, and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) encourages the exchange of opinions and mutual learning among civilisations. Therefore, what distinguishes the GGI from other initiatives? So what does the GGI propose?
The GGI consists of five main concepts.
First, sovereign equality is the most fundamental thing in the relations between states that the UN and any international organisation adhere to. In addition, it is also among the main premises in global governance. Sovereign equality means that all states, regardless of size, strength or wealth, will have their sovereignty and dignity respected, their internal affairs be free from external interference, the right to choose their social system and development path freely, and the right to take part as equals in, decide in and benefit from the global governance process.
Democratic systems that prioritise the voice of the majority should be promoted in international relations to make the global governance system more reflective of the interests and aspirations of most states and to enhance representation and say in the development of states.
The second is a commitment to the rule of international law. This means that international law and international norms must be obeyed by all countries equally and uniformly with no elements of bias. This is very important because it is the basic protection for global governance. The great powers have a responsibility to ensure that the rule of international law is always obeyed. The third is a commitment to multilateralism because this system is at the core of global governance that is built, shared and involves all parties.
Multilateralism is the core concept of the existing international system and international order. However, this concept is increasingly challenged because of the actions of some countries that act to reject their membership in international organisations and take unilateral action against other countries based on their military and economic strength.
The fourth is a commitment to a people-centred approach. This is very important because people are the fundamental actors in global governance and they are its ultimate benefit. Therefore, the global system must ultimately meet the needs of people and foster their confidence and belief in a stable future in order to be extensively supported and effective.
Fifth is the commitment to ensuring correct and effective decisions. This means global governance that can solve problems effectively. Given the close relationship between various issues, global governance must be implemented in a holistic, systematic manner.
In addition, governance that is capable of finding the root causes of problems and solving them effectively. It must address urgent issues and consider long-term challenges. Developed countries must earnestly shoulder their responsibilities and provide more resources and public goods. Meanwhile, developing countries, for their part, must unite for strength and do their best for the world.
It is important to emphasise that the GGI has received an encouraging response from leaders attending the SCO Summit. Among them is Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia. According to him, the GGI offers a pathway towards a multilateral system where both small and large countries are treated as equals.
When interviewed by China Global Television Network (CGTN) host Zheng Junfeng, Anwar emphasised that the GGI is an initiative that can help reduce or resolve several contentious issues that affect us, not only in global politics but also in safeguarding our country's economic interests.
Furthermore, Anwar believes that global governance has reached a new crossroads and calls for “a more just and equitable global governance system, advancing towards a community with a shared future for humanity".
Besides Anwar, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres also welcomed the GGI when attending the SCO Summit in Tianjin.
Assoc Prof Dr Roy Anthony Rogers
Head, International and Strategic Studies Department
Arts and Social Sciences Faculty, Universiti Malaya
