Emerging
Jun 18, 2026 Major2
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Global South Embraces China's Global Governance Initiative Amid Calls for Reform
The China-proposed Global Governance Initiative (GGI) is gaining traction among Global South countries, which see it as an opportunity to reform post-World War II international institutions for more inclusive representation. The initiative resonates due to longstanding frustrations over selective enforcement of rules-based order and a desire for greater decision-making participation.
Quick Facts
Who
China
What
proposed Global Governance Initiative
When
post-World War II era
Where
Global South
- proposed Global Governance Initiative
- embracing GGI
- calling for reform of international institutions
- China
- Global South
At a time when countries are grappling with economic uncertainty, climate pressures and widening development needs, the China-proposed Global Governance Initiative (GGI) resonates because it addresses concerns long voiced across the Global South, according to a column by Maya Majueran published in Xinhua.
The concept of a "rules-based order" has long been presented as a foundation for global stability, but many developing countries have questioned whether its principles have been equally applied. Concerns about selective enforcement and inconsistent standards have fueled frustration, particularly when similar crises receive markedly different responses depending on political alignment or strategic importance.
The GGI, proposed by China, recognizes that global governance structures created after World War II may no longer reflect contemporary realities. For many developing countries, the initiative represents an opportunity to push for a more inclusive, representative and responsive system. Its significance lies not only in what it proposes, but in the broader discussion it has sparked about the future of international cooperation.
Across the Global South, there is a growing belief that developing countries should play a greater role in shaping international institutions and policies. The initiative promotes sovereign equality, broader participation, and a more inclusive approach, arguing that all countries deserve a meaningful voice regardless of size or development level.
One reason the initiative resonates is that it does not advocate dismantling the existing international system, but rather calls for reforming institutions that many believe no longer adequately reflect 21st-century realities. The GGI also connects to broader platforms such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Group of 77, where developing countries play a more active role in shaping priorities.
For many across the Global South, the appeal lies in expanding their own space to act in a multipolar world where developing countries are no longer passive participants but active contributors to international decision-making.
Why This Matters
For readers, this story signals a potential shift in global power dynamics: if the GGI gains momentum, developing countries—including those in Africa, Asia, and Latin America—could wield greater influence in institutions like the UN and WTO. Businesses operating across the Global South should monitor this trend, as it may lead to changes in trade rules, investment frameworks, and diplomatic alignments, directly impacting market access and regulatory environments.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireColumn by Maya Majueran published explaining Global South support for GGI