The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) marked its first anniversary in September 2026, with Senegal playing a significant role in shaping the new international order. Senegal and China have strengthened their dialogue and cooperation, with Senegal becoming a founding member of the Group of Friends of Global Governance in December 2025 and the World Organization for Cooperation on Artificial Intelligence (WOCAI) in July 2026. These milestones demonstrate the commitment of countries in the Global South to work together to drive modernization and address global challenges.
The GGI is built on five fundamental concepts, including sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and action-oriented orientation. Sovereign equality is a key principle, aimed at promoting fairness and justice in global governance. Historically, developed countries have dominated decision-making in international institutions, leaving developing countries with limited representation. The creation of the Group of Friends of Global Governance has provided a platform for countries to come together and push for reforms.
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has been instrumental in translating the GGI's concepts into action. During the 2024 Beijing Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed six measures to promote joint modernization between China and Africa, and announced ten partnership actions to be implemented over the next three years. Senegal, as a key player in West Africa and a member of the African Union, has fully engaged in this cooperation dynamic, with tangible results in areas such as infrastructure, trade, and healthcare.
Senegal's participation in the WOCAI, signed in July 2026, marks a significant step in the country's commitment to global cooperation on artificial intelligence. The organization aims to promote a people-centered approach to AI governance, under the auspices of the United Nations. This move is seen as a counterbalance to attempts by Western countries to restrict AI governance to a small circle of nations.
The GGI has made significant progress in promoting equality and cooperation among countries in the Global South. Senegal's double status as a founding member of the Group of Friends of Global Governance and WOCAI positions the country to work closely with China and other countries to harness the potential of the digital economy and build a more just and equitable international order.
The author of the article, Mamadou Yaya Diallo, a professor of international law at the University of Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, emphasizes that the GGI is a response to the question of who global governance should serve. The initiative's focus on the Global South, developing countries, and the people of the world is seen as a step towards a more inclusive and equitable global order.
As the GGI continues to evolve, Senegal and other countries in the Global South are expected to play a key role in shaping its future. With its strong commitment to cooperation and modernization, Senegal is well-positioned to contribute to the initiative's goals and promote a brighter future for all.
Key points
- The Global Governance Initiative promotes equality and cooperation among countries in the Global South.
- Senegal has become a founding member of the Group of Friends of Global Governance and the World Organization for Cooperation on Artificial Intelligence.
- The initiative aims to promote a people-centered approach to global governance, under the auspices of the United Nations.
