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Belarus firmly supports the four global initiatives put forward by China, including the Global Development Initiative (GDI). Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan highlighted its importance to BelTA on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Global Development Initiative. Launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2021, the initiative urged the international community to place development at the center of global macroeconomic policy and fast-track the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The head of the Chinese diplomatic mission elaborated on the progress of the initiative and Belarus’ vital contribution. He pointed out that the core principles of these initiatives are embedded in the president’s directive on the practical implementation of the all-weather and comprehensive strategic partnership between Belarus and China.

Zhang Wenchuan stressed that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, China-Belarus cooperation across diverse areas continues to deepen, translating the concept of the Global Development Initiative into tangible results that advance bilateral practical cooperation.

On the whole, the initiative is guided by six core principles: prioritizing development, a people-centered approach, accessibility and inclusiveness, innovation-driven development, harmonious coexistence between man and nature, and results-oriented actions. It focuses on eight priority areas of cooperation: poverty reduction, food security, healthcare, financing for development, climate change and green development, industrialization, the digital economy, and connectivity. Its essence is to place development back at the center of the global agenda, ensure more equitable and accessible development opportunities, and deliver benefits to every nation and every person.

Over the past five years, through the joint support and active engagement of the international community, the initiative has grown from a Chinese proposal into an international consensus, translating from a concept into effective practice and giving momentum to development in today’s turbulent and changing world. The ambassador pointed out that to date, over 130 countries and international organizations have supported the initiative and engaged in joint cooperation. Furthermore, nearly 100 states, along with international and regional organizations, have signed cooperation documents with the Chinese side on the implementation of the initiative.

The Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative currently numbers 88 countries, evolving into a vital force promoting the cause of global development. Thanks to the stimulating role of the China-UN Peace and Development Trust Fund and the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, the key financial instruments of the Chinese government for supporting multilateral diplomacy and global security, a cumulative total of over $23 billion has been mobilized to execute various projects. Over 1,800 small yet smart joint projects have been successfully executed, alongside the training of more than 200,000 professionals of various profiles. The initiative has already delivered tangible benefits to the populations of over 120 countries. Examples range from the deployment of Juncao cultivation technology that aids global poverty alleviation, to sustainable development satellites enabling synchronous data exchange, and the MAZU platform, which assists countries of the Global South in enhancing their capabilities for early weather warning and disaster mitigation.

Belarus firmly supports the four global initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, and these principles are embedded in the president’s directive “On the practical implementation of the all-weather and comprehensive strategic partnership of the Republic of Belarus with the People’s Republic of China.”

China and Belarus regard development as a top priority and identify enhancing public well-being as their primary objective. The China-Belarus Industrial Park Great Stone, a flagship project under the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, currently numbers nearly 180 resident companies working in sectors such as mechanical engineering, biopharmaceutics, and e-commerce. The park drives efficient industrial modernization, job creation, and income growth. Bilateral trade between China and Belarus continues its steady expansion. According to Chinese statistical data, in H1 2026, it reached $5.27 billion, hitting an all-time high.

Events held under the Year of Industrial Cooperation between China and Belarus are also aimed at building up mutual trade.

The ambassador further highlighted the significance of the 1st Belarus-China Forum of Regions, which took place in Lanzhou in July 2026. As a result, the number of sister-city partnerships between the two nations expanded to 54 pairs.

Furthermore, as part of the Global Development Initiative’s implementation, China, utilizing the Global South-South Development and Cooperation Fund, assisted the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in successfully executing the project Safeguarding Forests of Belarus: A Comprehensive Fire Preparedness Initiative for Community-Based Fire Prevention and Response. Support was also provided for the construction of a medical facility for residents affected by the Chernobyl disaster. The Global Development Initiative continues to serve as a vital platform and a driving force for deepening practical cooperation between China and Belarus, delivering tangible benefits to the populations of both countries.

Currently, the international environment is characterized by growing turbulence and instability, with the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development lagging substantially behind the intended pace, while the development gap between the North and the South continues to expand. Speaking at the high-level meeting marking the fifth anniversary of the Global Development Initiative on 28 July, Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi urged all nations to steadfastly promote the alignment of the Global Development Initiative and the UN development agenda, working together to shape a better future for the world. He put forward four proposals. First, to strengthen unity and cooperation so as to create a peaceful environment for further development. Second, to join forces to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Third, to advance openness to boost the driving forces for innovative development. Fourth, to uphold multilateralism and improve the global governance system.

China’s development is inseparable from the world, and the world’s development is inseparable from China.

As this year marks the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, we continue to deliver new development opportunities to nations worldwide. Concurrently, Belarus is steadily implementing its social and economic development program for 2026-2030. The development strategies of both countries are highly aligned, unlocking broad prospects for further impactful cooperation and generating vast development potential.

Standing at a new historical starting point on the fifth anniversary of the Global Development Initiative, the Chinese side remains committed to working alongside the Belarusian side to continuously enrich the content of cooperation, promote the active implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and jointly safeguard the shared interests of the Global South. Furthermore, this will inject fresh and more substantial impetus into advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

BelTA