THE concept of sustainable development—meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations—is deeply tied to unity. Chinese President Xi Jinping highlights unity as a foundation for governance and development, a core principle shared in his writings. President Xi’s insights offer a governance model that other nations, including Pakistan, might consider. His approach underlines unity, trust, coexistence and cultural harmony as drivers of sustainable growth. Similarly, my political party champions empowerment through collective strength, advocating for unity across communities. Drawing from President Xi’s philosophy, this commentary explores how unity supports sustainable development and fuels China’s economic and social progress. Indicators of unity—coexistence, diversity and trust—are essential for realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as sustainable progress thrives when people unite for common goals.
President Xi Jinping sees unity as central to China’s sustainable development strategy, attributing the success of lifting over 800 million people out of poverty largely to societal cohesion. This monumental achievement, which the World Bank notes accounts for 70% of global poverty reduction since the 1980s, reflects a government deeply invested in its citizens’ welfare. This collective purpose has enabled China to rally its people around shared goals for national development, fostering a resilient foundation of economic and environmental stability. Moreover, this unity strengthens the relationship between the government and its citizens, allowing for cooperation in social programs, environmental sustainability and technological innovation.
China’s model rests on three critical indicators: coexistence, diversity and trust-building. Coexistence, in this context, refers to harmony among people, nature and culture. Policies like the “Ecological Civilization” framework integrate environmental priorities into economic strategies, making China a global leader in renewable energy. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, China has invested over $750 billion in renewable energy projects over the past decade. This balance between modern development and environmental preservation speaks to a shared understanding that prosperity depends on ecological responsibility. China’s cultural diversity includes over 56 ethnic groups and multiple dialects, presenting challenges in sustaining unity. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which promotes inclusive growth, China fosters economic opportunities for diverse populations, strengthening solidarity and creating lasting peace. Cultural inclusivity remains a cornerstone of both China’s domestic policies and international relations, helping to bridge traditional values with modern development goals.
A trust-building approach, championed by President Xi’s “people-centred” development, further supports unity in China. Social policies focused on welfare, education and healthcare reflect the government’s commitment to its people. Healthcare reforms since 2009, which expanded insurance coverage to over 95% of the population, exemplify the role trust plays in promoting unity. Initiatives like anti-corruption campaigns underscore the government’s dedication to transparency, reinforcing public trust in the state’s commitment to their well-being. These indicators align with Pakistan’s needs, where unity across provinces, ethnicities and socioeconomic groups could equally drive sustainable outcomes. My party, Pakistan Awami Quwat .. PAQ … echoes these principles by championing “the power of the people” and uniting communities at the grassroots level.
Pakistan faces many challenges to sustainable development, including economic disparity, environmental degradation and regional divides. Learning from China’s model, Pakistan can advance its sustainable development efforts by fostering unity across its diverse population. Trust-building, coexistence and cultural inclusivity can foster a conducive environment for growth. The PAQ promotes collective action in addressing local challenges, aligning with “Umer’s Law” which advocates for equitable resource distribution and participatory governance. Our goal is to empower communities to engage in decision-making processes, echoing Xi’s “people-centred development” focus.
Economic unity has empowered millions in China and Pakistan can likewise benefit by fostering inclusive economic growth. By supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and creating jobs for marginalized communities, Pakistan can drive sustainable economic progress. Environmental unity is also vital for addressing issues like pollution and resource scarcity. Grassroots movements promoting eco-friendly practices, combined with government-led renewable energy initiatives, can enhance national solidarity in environmental stewardship. Pakistan’s diverse culture is a significant asset. By promoting unity among different cultural groups, the nation can strengthen social cohesion, crucial for sustainable development. Programs celebrating diversity and fostering cultural exchange can bridge divisions and build trust, crucial for a harmonious society.
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) underscore the necessity of unity in addressing global challenges like poverty, well-being and environmental protection. Without unity, tackling these complex issues remains difficult. President Xi emphasizes that unity provides a foundation for collective action, enabling countries to pursue common goals. His vision demonstrates that true leadership involves uniting people around shared values, goals and mutual respect. By focusing on unity, countries like Pakistan can more effectively strive toward the SDGs, promoting collaboration across regions and sectors.
President Xi Jinping’s emphasis on unity as the cornerstone of China’s sustainable development model serves as a guiding principle. His governance philosophy inspires other nations to harness the power of unity for the common good, underscoring that cultural harmony, social cohesion and trust in leadership are essential to progress. Pakistan Awami Quwat, committed to similar values, aims to mirror this approach by fostering coexistence, cultural inclusivity, and community empowerment. The path to sustainable development is paved with unity. Xi Jinping’s insights show that our collective strength allows us to address today’s challenges and builds a better tomorrow. For Pakistan, China and the global community, unity in diversity is crucial for creating a sustainable future that respects people and the planet, embodying the core of sustainable development.
—The writer is Chairman of Pakistan Awami Quwat.
