A seminar co-organized by Kenya's Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, and the Africa Policy Institute (API) was held in Naivasha, Kenya, to discuss China's proposed Global Development Initiative (GDI) and Global Governance Initiative (GGI). The seminar brought together senior officials, diplomats, scholars, industry executives, and representatives of UN agencies to assess the impact of these initiatives on the Sustainable Development Goals and global governance cooperation.
Kenya and China share common views on global governance, with Kenya joining the Belt and Road Initiative, the GDI, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the GGI. According to Abraham Korir Sing'Oei, principal secretary of the State Department for Foreign Affairs, relations between the two countries are based on mutual respect, trust, and the principles of South-South cooperation. China has supported Kenya in implementing priority national development projects in sectors including health, education, finance, tourism, culture, and trade under the GDI.
The GDI, proposed by China five years ago, has contributed to a more equitable, prosperous, and greener world. Participants discussed its impact and examined the GGI, proposed by China in September 2025 to build a more just and equitable global governance system. Guo Haiyan, Chinese ambassador to Kenya, said the four global initiatives on development, security, civilization, and governance complement each other, promoting prosperity through development, safeguarding stability through security, enhancing mutual trust through civilizational exchanges, and pursuing justice through governance.
China is ready to work with Kenya and other African countries, as well as international organizations and think tanks in Africa, to advance global development and improve global governance. Guo noted that over 130 countries and international organizations have expressed support for and participated in GDI cooperation, and the Group of Friends of the GDI has grown to 88 countries, including Kenya. The GGI has been welcomed and supported by nearly 160 countries and international organizations.
The Africa Policy Institute (API) stressed that both the GDI and GGI are global public goods critical to realizing the UN 2030 Agenda and ensuring a functioning and inclusive multilateral order. The think tank emphasized that the two initiatives should serve as a platform for deeper cooperation among China, African countries, and multilateral institutions to achieve long-term development and stable governance.
Erastus Mwencha, former deputy chairperson of the African Union Commission, described the GDI and GGI as "practical correctives anchored firmly in multilateralism." He noted that the GDI puts people at the center of the development agenda, while the GGI promotes sovereign equality and the rule of law in global affairs. Shaheen Nilofer, UNICEF representative to Kenya, cited cooperation with China in advancing maternal and child health in Kenya.
Since the beginning of this year, UNICEF and the UN Industrial Development Organization have been approved to use the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund to implement projects in Kenya that promote the health and well-being of women and children and support the development of agro-industrial parks. China and 28 countries, including Kenya, jointly initiated the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, a major step in responding to the call of the Global South and advancing the development and governance of artificial intelligence.
Key points
- China's proposed Global Development Initiative and Global Governance Initiative aim to promote a more equitable and prosperous world.
- The initiatives have received support from over 130 countries and international organizations.
- Kenya and China are working together to advance global development and improve global governance.
