CPC Dialogue on Political Parties’ Role in Global Development

The historic CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Conference under the theme “Path Towards Modernization: The Responsibilities of Political Parties” occurred in Beijing, China, on 15 March 2023.

The agenda for the conference comprised the following:

• The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• Global Civilization Initiative.
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
• China’s modernization.
• World peace and harmony.
• Cultural diversity and intercultural exchanges.
• Democracy and freedom.

The meeting brought together more than 500 leaders of political parties and political organizations and state delegations from more than 150 countries. China’s President Xi Jinping inaugurated the conference and delivered the keynote speech.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

President Xi began his speech by mentioning the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He stated that BRI is a vast infrastructure project that connects countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa.

He emphasized that the project’s goal is to forge a new model of international partnership based on mutual respect and mutual benefit rather than simply constructing roads and bridges.

President Xi claimed that this program would usher in a new era of global civilization in which all countries could work together to achieve common goals.

Xi pointed out that the BRI and other international cooperation and development initiatives are part of a larger initiative to produce shared outcomes through collaboration and mutual enrichment.

He stated that BRI is a platform for promoting joint development and prosperity. The initiative aims to connect countries and regions through trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges and to promote economic growth and social progress.

Moreover, Xi Jinping also noted that the BRI strives to facilitate a more balanced and inclusive approach to globalization that benefits all countries, regardless of their level of development, by emphasizing mutual respect and reciprocal profit.

Global Civilization Initiative

The value of cultural diversity and cross-cultural interactions was one of the critical subjects of President Xi’s speech.

President Xi suggested a Global Civilization Initiative promote discussion and exchange between civilizations and a more peaceful and prosperous world.

He emphasized the need to respect the diversity of civilizations, promote common human values, honor cultural inheritance and creativity, and advocate for vigorous international people-to-people contacts and cooperation.

The Global Civilization Initiative acknowledges that all societies have contributed to the diversity and depth of human culture. It also underscored that learning from one another could create a more peaceful and inclusive global community.

According to the President, Global Civilization Initiative extends China’s larger vision of a society with a shared future for humanity.

This vision highlights the importance of countries cooperating to address common concerns such as poverty, climate change, and terrorism and to create a fairer and more sustainable world.

The Global Civilization Initiative offers hope for a world in turmoil by encouraging discussion and trade when conflicts between countries and civilizations threaten to erupt.

The President also highlighted that the global civilization effort seeks to advance diversity and cross-cultural exchange while advancing a shared vision of world peace and harmony.

Also Read: Keynote address by President of China at CPC in dialogue with World Political Parties

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.

President Xi stressed the importance of countries upholding the ideals of equality, mutual learning, discussion, and civilizational inclusion. He also underlined the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 as a critical global aim to strive towards.

He highlighted his belief everyone has the same goals for peace, development, equity, justice, democracy, and freedom.

He emphasized the need to keep an open mind in respecting diverse civilizations’ conceptions of values and abstaining from imposing their beliefs or models on others.

President Xi proposed a global civilization initiative based on mutual benefit and collaboration to achieve shared development.

This approach is consistent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of poverty eradication, economic growth and development, and inequality reduction.

He also pointed out that the BRI, which incorporates investments in infrastructure, transportation, and energy projects, has the potential to help countries achieve these SDGs.

China’s Modernization

Furthermore, President Xi shared China’s successful modernization experience. He noted that it might serve as a model for other developing countries.

He encouraged nations to fully utilize the significance of their historical and cultural continuity with the present and to place a high value on the innovations and legacies of civilizations.

Cultural Diversity and Intercultural Exchanges

President Xi Jinping suggested that the nations should promote their illustrious traditional cultures’ creative transformation and innovative growth.

He urged everyone to cooperate to promote robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. Additionally, he stressed governments should explore creating a global network for inter-civilizational communication and collaboration.

They should improve the substance of dialogues and broaden channels of cooperation, to promote mutual understanding and friendship among people from all countries and collectively advance the growth of human civilizations.

President emphasized respecting diverse cultures and promoting intercultural dialogue as part of the global civilization initiative.

He asserted that by learning from and appreciating diverse cultures, individuals could better understand one another and work towards a more harmonious and peaceful world.

Highlights of Different Leaders’ Speeches

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and other leaders and officials from various countries praised China’s suggestions at the summit.

Ramaphosa stated that they concur with the four suggestions Chinese President Xi made in the Global Civilization Initiative. He noted that their nation’s foreign policy is modeled after Chinese national policy.

President Ramaphosa lauded China’s Belt and Road Initiative in his keynote address, citing its commitment to infrastructure development and economic growth in Africa.

He also acknowledged China’s contribution to South Africa’s economic development. He highlighted that China is South Africa’s largest trading partner and a vital investor.

Several political leaders agreed with President Ramaphosa, applauding China’s aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. They recognized China’s commitment to the worldwide fight against the pandemic, including medical supplies and expertise exchange.

Leaders also acknowledged China’s assistance in the economy of their respective nations. They believe that the Global Civilization Initiative is vital to help the world avoid the clash of civilizations trap and find a way to help the globe sail through the current turmoil.

During the summit, world leaders were willing to collaborate with the Communist Party of China (CPC) to lead and drive the modernization project. In addition, they emphasized China’s significance to their national security, commerce, and foreign policy.

The representatives of the countries underscored China’s importance to national security. They indicated a desire to increase their cooperation with China in this sector and to work together to address shared security challenges.

The leaders recognized China’s growing importance in international affairs. They supported its multilateralism and global governance system reform positions. They also mentioned China’s assistance in bringing world peace.

The forum also emphasized the need for increased cooperation between China and the world on climate change, sustainable development, and poverty reduction.

The discussion between international administrators and the CPC was critical to boosting bilateral ties. It revealed China’s growing acknowledgment of its role in global development.

Asian-African political leaders stated that it is essential for countries like Asia and Africa to engage China on matters of mutual interest and collaborate to address common difficulties.

The willingness of Asian-African leaders to cooperate with the CPC and recognize China’s contributions to national security, trade, and international affairs is a promising indicator for the China-Asian-African alliance.

Global leaders also discussed the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 goals to achieve global sustainability. One critical theme was seeking sustainable development and ensuring the underprivileged are not left behind.

Leaders covered many subjects, including fighting global warming, ending poverty, assuring access to quality education, and developing clean energy sources.

They underscored the importance of the SDGs and the need for international cooperation to achieve them. They reiterated the need for SDG progress in light of global problems, including climate change, economic inequality, and social unrest.

Democracy and Freedom

The significance of democracy, diversity, and freedom was one of the conference’s central themes. Participants underlined that democracy should be a universal principle, not imposed by any country or culture.

Furthermore, they noted that better prosperity and happiness depended on political and economic freedom. The conference’s focus was on democracy and freedom. It also emphasized today’s human rights and civil liberties relevance.

World leaders stressed that individuals could engage in the political process, express their opinions, and hold their leaders accountable under democracy and freedom.

The leaders acknowledged that marginalized groups, including women, children, individuals with disabilities, and members of racial and ethnic minorities, are frequently those who are most at risk from poverty, inequality, and environmental deterioration.

The summit participants prioritized these communities’ needs and ensured their voices were heard in decision-making. Political parties and groups can ensure that their citizens are treated with dignity and respect by fostering democracy and freedom.

World Peace and Harmony

The importance of peace and harmony was also highlighted at the meeting. Leaders worldwide acknowledged the consequences of conflicts and tensions. However, they stressed that these challenges could only be resolved peacefully.

The symposium also underlined the importance of cultural diversity and intercultural connections. Respondents revealed the need to respect the diversity of cultures to create a more harmonious and peaceful community.