President Xi’s Global Governance Initiative offers roadmap for peace, stability: Ahsan

ISLAMABAD, Jun 9 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday said Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative provided a timely roadmap for promoting global peace, stability and sustainable development in an increasingly uncertain world.

Addressing an event titled “75 Years of Friendship: Global Governance Initiative and Construction of CPEC,” he said the world today needed a rules-based international order founded on cooperation, respect for sovereignty and peaceful coexistence.

The event was organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy to mark the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China friendship.

Ahsan said the Global Governance Initiative, proposed by President Xi Jinping, was based on five guiding principles that could help steer the world away from conflict and instability towards a more peaceful and prosperous future.

“The world needs order and direction. These principles provide a guiding light to move from chaos towards a stable and cooperative international system,” he said.

Explaining the first principle, he said all countries, regardless of size or strength, were sovereign and deserved equal respect.

“Every independent country enjoys equal sovereignty and autonomy. Respect for this principle is essential for maintaining peace and stability in the world,” he added.

Referring to the second principle, Ahsan stressed the importance of adherence to international law, saying disregard for international agreements and conventions could fuel tensions and conflicts.

He said respect for international agreements and conventions was essential for global peace and stability. Citing the Indus Waters Treaty, he warned that attempts to undermine internationally recognised agreements could sow the seeds of conflict with serious consequences for regional security.

Highlighting the third principle of multilateralism, the minister said no country could address contemporary global challenges in isolation, and effective governance required collective action and inclusive decision-making.

He said developing countries and the Global South must be given a stronger voice in international forums to ensure balanced and equitable global governance.

On the fourth principle, he said development efforts should remain people-centred and focused on improving the lives of ordinary citizens rather than serving narrow interests.

“The ultimate objective of development must be the welfare and prosperity of people. Development should uplift communities and create opportunities for all,” he remarked.

Discussing the fifth principle, Ahsan said global governance frameworks should deliver tangible outcomes rather than remain limited to discussions and declarations.

“International institutions must be capable of translating decisions into action. Effective implementation is essential for maintaining confidence in the global governance system,” he said.

Referring to the situation in the Middle East, he said the continuing humanitarian crisis and Israel’s actions in the region highlighted the limitations of existing international mechanisms, stressing that global governance could only remain credible if international rules were effectively implemented.

The minister said the five principles collectively offered a comprehensive framework for building a peaceful, stable and sustainable international order, reflecting the aspirations of people across the world.

Turning to Pakistan-China relations, Ahsan said the year marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, describing their friendship as unique in international relations.

He said Pakistan-China relations had continued to grow stronger over the decades, with cooperation expanding into new areas of partnership and development.

“This friendship has remained steadfast and has continued to flourish with every passing year,” he said.

The minister said the relationship was set to reach new heights with Pakistan’s first astronaut expected to participate in a Chinese space mission, symbolising the expanding scope of bilateral cooperation.

He recalled that a major milestone in bilateral ties was achieved in 2013 when the Memorandum of Understanding for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was signed during former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Beijing. Ahsan, who had signed the MoU that year on behalf of Pakistan, said CPEC had evolved from a vision on paper into one of the most significant development initiatives in the region.

He said the launch of CPEC during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan in 2015 opened a new chapter of economic cooperation, with billions of dollars invested in infrastructure, energy and connectivity projects.

The minister said Pakistan and China were now advancing CPEC 2.0, built around five key corridors including Growth, Livelihood, Innovation, Green and Open Corridors aimed at promoting sustainable economic development, technological advancement, climate resilience and regional connectivity.

He expressed confidence that CPEC 2.0 would support Pakistan’s long-term development objectives and further strengthen the enduring partnership between the two countries.

He said the five corridors under CPEC Phase-II were closely aligned with Pakistan’s national development priorities and the objectives of “Uraan Pakistan.”

He added that the framework had been designed in accordance with Pakistan’s economic, social and environmental needs, ensuring that development cooperation directly supports inclusive growth, job creation, technological advancement and climate resilience.

The minister further said this alignment reflected a shared vision of Pakistan and China to make CPEC a more people-centric, sustainable and future-oriented initiative that strengthens Pakistan’s long-term development trajectory.