THE Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, underway in Beijing (Oct. 17-18), marks a significant milestone in the realization of President Xi Jinping’s vision for Chinese sustainable development. Rooted in the principles of socialism with Chinese characteristics, this forum symbolizes a commitment to international collaboration, harmonious coexistence and the pursuit of shared prosperity. As the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) enters its tenth year since its launch in 2013, the forum becomes a crucial platform for fostering global sustainable development cooperation.
Inaugurating the maiden Belt and Road Forum in the year 2017, President Xi Jinping evoked the bygone era of the Silk Road, accentuating its historical import in linking Asia, Europe and Africa. Launched in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative aspires to resurrect and expand upon this historical legacy, nurturing economic interconnection, infrastructure advancement and cultural interchange among nations. The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation materialized as a conduit for dialogue and collaboration amongst nations engaged in the BRI. Its inception in Beijing in 2017 saw the gathering of leaders and representatives from over a hundred countries and international organizations. It functioned as a forum for deliberations on policy synchronization, infrastructure augmentation, trade and financial amalgamation. The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) stands as a testament to the evolving paradigm of global collaboration in the 21st century. Launched by China in 2013, the BRI has burgeoned into a comprehensive framework for international cooperation, nurturing economic development, connectivity and cultural exchange among participating nations.
Xi Jinping’s exposition on “Socialism with Chinese Characteristics” encapsulates the crux of his leadership, laying emphasis on collaboration, harmonious coexistence and a scenario of mutual benefit. This departure from the competitive ethos associated with capitalist leadership propels China as an alternative trajectory for global governance. The accentuation on socialist core values and the commitment to crafting a “great modern socialist country” signify a distinctive model for international leadership, expounded during the inaugural BRI forum in 2017. President Xi Jinping delineated a comprehensive vision for sustainable development during the Belt and Road Forum. At its core was the integration of economic growth with environmental responsibility, acknowledging the global challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.
In his oration, President Xi advocated for a verdant and low-carbon approach to development, accentuating clean energy, ecological preservation and sustainable practices aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Connectivity emerged as another pivotal theme, underscoring the importance of nurturing digital, cultural and people-to-people connections. Inclusivity emerged as a cardinal principle in Xi’s vision, countering the surge of protectionism and fostering a more cooperative and interconnected world. The Second Belt and Road Forum in April 2019 brought together leaders and delegates from over 150 countries, fostering open discussions on various facets of the BRI, including concerns about transparency, environmental impact and debt sustainability associated with BRI projects. In his keynote address, President Xi reiterated the virtues of cooperation, openness and inclusivity in the pursuit of shared development. Measures were proclaimed to fortify transparency, debt sustainability and risk management in BRI projects.
The BRF in 2019 underscored the weight of international cooperation in realizing BRI objectives. Bilateral agreements inked during the forum evidenced a commitment to nurturing mutual understanding and manifesting the shared vision of a more interconnected world. At the heart of President Xi’s vision for sustainable development lies the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity – economically viable, socially inclusive and environmentally responsible. He called for concerted endeavours to confront global challenges such as climate change, poverty and inequality, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. In the twenty-first century, confronted with unparalleled challenges spanning economic disparities to environmental decay, Xi Jinping’s espousal of socialism with Chinese characteristics proffers an alternative to the entrenched capitalist paradigm. Unlike the cutthroat nature of capitalism, socialism, as championed by China, underscores collaboration and mutual benefit, fostering economic development, infrastructure connectivity and shared prosperity.
Chinese socialism, amalgamating Marxist-Leninist principles with pragmatic policies tailored to China’s unique developmental context, heralds a paradigm shift from the contradictions of global capitalism. Emphasizing harmony and collective well-being, Chinese socialism positions itself as a viable alternative to the globalist narrative, illustrated by the eradication of absolute poverty and the pursuit of common prosperity. The Belt and Road Initiative transcends its identity as a mere infrastructure project; it is an embodiment of socialist core values. The initiative aspires to engender win-win outcomes for all participating nations, aligning seamlessly with Xi Jinping’s vision of shared prosperity and complementing the Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations.
As the Third Belt and Road Forum unfolds, it serves as a testimony to the growth and impact of the initiative, fostering international cooperation and comprehension. In the current panorama of global leadership, Chinese socialism emerges as a compelling alternative, offering a vision of governance anchored in collaboration, harmony and shared prosperity. The Belt and Road Initiative, showcased in the Third Belt and Road Forum, stands as a beacon of hope for a more equitable and harmonious future. Xi Jinping’s leadership, grounded in socialist principles, delineates a roadmap for addressing global challenges and realizing sustainable development on an international scale. As the world grapples with the crises associated with capitalism, China’s socialist leadership proffers a distinctive trajectory for global governance and cooperation.
The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation marks a significant milestone in the annals of global collaboration. By furnishing a platform for dialogue, coordination and partnership, the BRF has contributed to augmented connectivity, economic development and cultural exchange among participating nations. As the initiative continues to evolve, addressing challenges and incorporating feedback will be imperative to ensuring the enduring success and sustainability of the Belt and Road Initiative as a catalyst for international cooperation in the twenty-first century. In the spirit of President Xi Jinping’s vision, the Third Belt and Road Forum has the potential to set the stage for a new era of sustainable development that is inclusive, environmentally conscious and socially responsible.
By harnessing the collective wisdom and resources of participating nations, we can build a future where prosperity is shared, development is sustainable and the bonds of friendship between nations are strengthened. As the world looks to Beijing for this landmark event, there is a sense of optimism and anticipation. The Third Belt and Road Forum is not just a meeting of nations; it is a platform for building bridges, both literal and metaphorical, that connect us all in the pursuit of a better, more prosperous world. May this forum be a beacon of hope, cooperation and progress, guiding us towards a future where the vision of President Xi Jinping becomes a reality for the benefit of all humanity.
—The writer is a Chief Executive Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development-GSISD.
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