At the 19th G20 Summit, held on November 18, President Xi Jinping delivered two pivotal speeches that highlighted China’s vision for global development, fairness, and justice. The themes of “just” and “fair” served as the core of his messages and resonated deeply with many countries, particularly those in the “Global South,” who have long struggled with issues of hunger, poverty, and inequality in global governance. These speeches provided both a moral and practical framework for addressing the disparities that hinder global prosperity and stability, advocating for a world where development is more inclusive, resilient, and universally beneficial.

One of the central issues raised at the G20 Summit was the fight against hunger and poverty, with the formation of a “Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty” as one of the key decisions made. Behind the issue of hunger lies a profound question of justice, as the world produces enough food to meet the basic needs of every person. According to United Nations data, the global population surpassed 8 billion in 2022, while crop production exceeded 2.7 billion tons-sufficient to feed the global population. However, despite this potential abundance, hunger remains a persistent problem in many parts of the world, particularly in the Global South.

The root cause of this paradox is the inequitable distribution of food resources. While some regions experience food oversupply and wast-evidenced by the paradox of “burning grain to get oil” in some parts of the world-others face acute shortages, where families wait for food to be cooked or struggle to survive on meager portions. The inequities in food production and distribution systems are often a result of broader systemic imbalances in global governance. Wealthy nations continue to enjoy unprecedented access to resources while poorer nations bear the brunt of global inequalities.

Xi’s call for a more just world emphasizes that global prosperity cannot be based on a system that allows the rich to get richer while the poor become poorer. To address these systemic issues, Xi urged countries to collaborate on fostering a global development framework that ensures no one is left behind. For China, this approach is not merely theoretical but grounded in practical efforts, as the country has taken significant strides in eradicating poverty within its own borders.

China’s experience in poverty alleviation has drawn international attention, with the country lifting more than 800 million people out of poverty over recent decades. This achievement, which has surpassed the poverty reduction goals set out in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is a testament to the power of coordinated effort and national determination. Xi used China’s story as a beacon of hope for other developing nations, telling them that “if China can make it, other developing countries can make it too.”

This message has resonated deeply across the Global South, where many countries face immense challenges in combating poverty. Xi’s speeches underscore that poverty alleviation is not a mere byproduct of economic growth, but requires concerted government effort, policy reforms, and long-term commitment. The Chinese model of poverty reduction, which combines targeted assistance with infrastructure development, education, and social welfare, offers valuable lessons for other nations facing similar developmental challenges.

Furthermore, Xi’s statements reflect the deep sense of solidarity between China and other developing countries. His reference to China’s success as proof that developing nations can overcome poverty is not just a reflection of China’s own achievements, but also a call for collective action. As Xi emphasized, “A weaker bird can start early and fly high,” stressing the importance of perseverance and strategic planning for countries looking to break the cycle of poverty.

The G20 Summit, which brings together the world’s major developed and emerging economies, has played a pivotal role in fostering international economic cooperation. In his speeches, Xi underscored the importance of the G20 as a platform for advancing multilateralism and addressing global challenges. The G20 has already demonstrated its ability to work collaboratively in response to the global financial crisis, and now, as the world faces new economic and social challenges, the G20 must continue to evolve and play a critical role in shaping a more inclusive and equitable global governance system.

Despite the rising influence of the Global South in recent years, the voices of many developing nations have not been fully heard or integrated into global decision-making processes, which have long been dominated by Western powers. This imbalance, Xi argued, is a significant obstacle to building a truly just and fair global governance system. Therefore, he called for a reform of global governance institutions to better reflect the realities and aspirations of the Global South, ensuring that their voices are heard and that their needs are met in the broader framework of global policymaking.

China, as a representative of the Global South, has consistently advocated for greater inclusivity in global governance structures. Xi’s remarks at the G20 highlight China’s efforts to support the development of least-developed countries (LDCs), including through significant trade initiatives such as offering zero-tariff treatment for all LDCs that maintain diplomatic relations with China. These measures reflect China’s broader approach to foreign policy, which emphasizes partnership, mutual respect, and shared growth.

Xi’s vision for global development is not just about addressing poverty but also about transforming the global economy into one that is more equitable and sustainable. He outlined eight key actions for promoting global development, focusing on critical areas such as economic cooperation, digital transformation, environmental protection, and trade. Xi called for greater international consensus on these issues, urging nations to work together to build a multipolar world that fosters fairness, respect for sovereignty, and balanced economic growth.

Central to Xi’s vision is the idea of “common development,” where no country is left behind in the march toward prosperity. This principle rejects the notion of a zero-sum game, where the development of one country comes at the expense of another. Instead, Xi advocates for a cooperative approach where countries, particularly in the Global South, are empowered to achieve their developmental goals alongside developed nations. The vision of building a “just world for common development” is one of inclusivity and shared prosperity, where all countries can achieve sustainable growth in a cooperative and fair environment.

President Xi’s speeches at the G20 Summit call for a renewed commitment to multilateralism and a global order that prioritizes justice, fairness, and inclusivity. He urged world leaders to “carry forward partnership” and “practice true multilateralism” to create a better future for all. The G20, with its diverse membership of both developed and emerging economies, holds a unique position in leading the world toward a more just and equitable global governance system.

As the G20 continues its role as a key forum for international economic cooperation, it must remain true to its founding mission: to bring together the world’s major economies to address global challenges through collective action. With China at the forefront of advocating for the rights and development of the Global South, the G20 has the potential to evolve into an engine of inclusive growth and multilateral cooperation that can drive the world toward a more prosperous and equitable future.

Please follow Blitz on Google News Channel