The Global Development Initiative was put forward by China, but its opportunities and benefits are shared by the world, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference in Beijing on Friday.

Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson/MFA PRC

On September 21, 2021, President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Development Initiative (GDI) at the General Debate of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Over the past three years, the GDI has been widely welcomed by the international community and has benefited the world, especially the Global South. At the recently-held 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, various parties applauded the GDI, noting that it would provide impetus for development for the Global South, including Africa.

Mao noted that over the past three years, the Global Development Initiative has attracted an increasing number of partners and made remarkable achievements. Over 100 countries and some international organizations, including the UN, have given support to or taken part in the initiative. More than 80 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI. China has set up a Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, which has financed over 150 programs. The Global Development Promotion Center Network is bringing more members on board.

Mao pointed out that on the path toward development and prosperity, no country or individual should be left behind. This is the vision of the GDI, as well as the goal advocated by the UN. During the upcoming General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the "GDI Support for the Global South—We Are in Action" event to explore development cooperation with various parties and draw support for development and prosperity of the Global South.

"We will deepen cooperation on the GDI with various parties, continue to share development opportunities of Chinese modernization, and accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, so as to realize common development." Mao said. (By Ma Ziqian/China Youth Daily)

来源：中国青年报客户端