You Wenze
In the vast expanse of the universe, Earth stands alone as humanity’s shared home. Yet, this singular planet, essential for our survival, confronts a multitude of crises, both predictable and unforeseen
These crises force us to question the sustainability of human civilisation, and many are realising that the pursuit of material wealth pales in importance to the search for a sustainable blueprint for the future.
A decade ago, President Xi Jinping introduced the concept of building a global community of shared future, providing an answer to the pressing question of humanity’s trajectory. This proposal has become a beacon in these uncertain times, outlining China’s commitment to the collective wellbeing of the world and the shared task of preserving our planet.
The vision encapsulates the essence of interconnected destinies and urges everyone – nations, communities, and individuals alike – to unite in the face of challenges.
By doing so, we can create an open, inclusive, and beautiful world marked by enduring peace, universal security, and collective prosperity, thereby transforming our aspirations for a better life into tangible realities.
Tracing its origins to an address at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in 2013, President Xi Jinping’s vision for a shared future has been progressively enriched over the years.
In subsequent global forums, he expanded on this vision, emphasising equality among nations, advocating for a fair and just security environment, promoting inclusive development, celebrating cultural diversity and championing an ecocentric approach to growth.
Efforts over the past decade to realise this vision have been commendable. Initiatives such as the Belt and Road, Global Development, Global Security, and Global Civilisation have made significant strides, resulting in a more stable and prosperous world.
This vision, increasingly, has resonated with many across the globe, drawing support from numerous countries and individuals.
They recognise its universal appeal, emphasising peace, justice and progress, and view it as a counternarrative to the self-interest and protectionism propagated by certain hegemonic powers.
At this critical juncture, the world teeters between promise and peril. History stands testament to humanity’s evolution – from primitive societies through the Agricultural and Industrial
Revolutions to the current Information Age.
While this journey has brought immense growth, the fundamental truth remains unchanged: Earth is our shared abode, and every nation bears responsibility for its future.
Globalisation has woven a tapestry of interconnected economies and societies, making the world more integrated than ever before. Technological advancements, especially in the domains of the internet, big data, and artificial intelligence, have further blurred geographical boundaries and forged deeper connections.
China, for instance, rejects the deterministic idea that a rising power inevitably seeks hegemony, emphasising instead peaceful growth and mutual development.
The ethos of the “law of the jungle” or the zero-sum game, where one’s gain is another’s loss is outdated in this interconnected age. A new paradigm, centred on equity, justice, and co-operative growth, is essential.
In this context, China’s vision of a shared future is not just a strategic initiative but a clarion call for global unity. The challenges the world faces – from climate change to geopolitical tensions, from economic disparities to technological divides – demand collaborative responses.
No nation, regardless of power or stature, can navigate these tumultuous waters alone. Only by truly building and nurturing a global community of shared future can humanity overcome its present adversities and navigate a brighter, more harmonious tomorrow.
* You is China’s consul-general in Cape Town
Cape Times