The Global Development Initiative (GDI) is a major international development cooperation framework proposed by China following the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). While the BRI prioritizes “hard connectivity” through infrastructure, the GDI emphasizes “soft connectivity” through development partnerships. Despite differences in timing and focus, both initiatives emerged in response to crises in global development—they share a common vision of open and inclusive platforms for development cooperation, placing people at the center of development, prioritizing basic needs, and committing to comprehensive development goals.
Moving forward, three avenues can advance synergies between the two initiatives: shared cooperation mechanisms, pooled development financing, and jointly built development partnerships. These efforts would build on the BRI’s material and institutional foundations by deepening collaboration via existing bilateral and multilateral cooperation frameworks and financing mechanisms, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Also, they would expand the supply of global public goods and development assistance, generating a multiplier effect for international development.
[Comment by iGCU]: This paper addresses the relationship between the GDI and the BRI from four perspectives: the essence of the GDI, its comparison and intrinsic connection with the BRI, and measures to achieve synergistic effects between the two initiatives. China promoted the GDI amid mounting strains in the global governance system, including governance deficits during power transition, widening development imbalances, and the compounded impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical crises. It offers renewed development opportunities for the BRI to meet the demands of the new era. Strengthening synergies between the two initiatives could propel global development into a new phase of greater balance, coordination, and inclusiveness, while advancing the vision of a global community with a shared future for development.
Reference: Cheng, Zilong [程子龙]. 2022. “Quanqiufazhanchangyi” yu “yidaiyilu” jianshe “全球发展倡议”与“一带一路”建设 [The Global Development Initiative and the Promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative]. Hubei Shehuikexue 湖北社会科学 [Hubei Social Science] (6):40-46.
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