May I first of all thank President Xi Jinping, The President of the People’s Republic of China, for his efforts in realizing peace and development around the world: It is important to know that this cannot be achieved without true equality and inclusion among global civilizations and thus, President Xi Jinping’s debate is quite critical towards addressing global challenges such as the “black swan” and “gray rhino” incidents within international communities.
Before airing my views, this topic can better be understood by first understanding the meaning of the word “Civilization”. In its literal meaning, it refers to “the stage of human social development and organization that is considered most advanced”. This suggests that it is a complex culture that exhibits specialized workers, record keeping, advanced cities, complex institutions and advanced technology”. When this complex culture constitutes elements from all over the world, then it reflects the globe and hence being referred to as “Global Civilization”.
Therefore, Global Civilization Initiative simply refers to an extension and complement of the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative forming main components of a human community with a shared future. Just as a reminder, since the world entered an era of high globalization after the Cold War, it is yet to experience peace. The Cold War’s mentality and practice of demarcating ideological boundaries and engaging in camp confrontation is still witnessed with resurges in recent years as witnessed in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine Conflict in the 21st Century. Wooing factions in other parts of the world while fighting other factions has also retarded global peace and development.
Global Civilization Initiative has gained prominence due to the many geopolitical conflicts which have created conflicting interests between civilizations and civilization superiority. This has resulted in hatred and estrangement between different civilizations with the consequence of retarding international cooperation. More so, “black swan” and “grey rhino” events occur more frequently within the international community as well as many challenges and crises being intertwined and superimposed. In order to avert this, different countries and civilizations ought to work together with a view of solving global issues which impact mankind’s future and destiny. Therefore, the emergence of Global Civilization Initiative was in response to times’ demand and it has strong practical significance and practical value. It is anchored in four initiatives:
- Respect for diversity of civilizations,
- Advocating the common values of humanity, including peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom,
- Highly valuing the inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and
- Jointly advocating robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.
It therefore, covers basic concepts and principles of different civilizations tolerating each other and coexisting. It has the required motivation and practical path to be realized, thus being a major constructive, operable and sustainable initiative that meets the strong needs of the international community since it advocates respect for diverse civilizations and supports these civilizations’ development rights.
The People’s Republic of China is an example of a country that has condensed Global Civilization Initiative, Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative to inform its successful experiences. Since the founding of the Communist Party of China, it created two miracles i.e., rapid economic development and long-term social stability. The country has its own internal logic and it is willing to share the same with the whole world with a view of realizing common development among nations through learning and mutual exchange. This signifies its sincerity and goodwill to mankind.
For partners like China and Somalia, this initiative could be realized as follows:
- China could use its constructive and growing influence in the United Nations and international levels to assist Somalia achieving peace and embarking on development. The UN has witnessed efforts towards peace, sustainability and harmony since the times of the former Secretary Generals: Kofi Annan and Ban Ki Moon. Their efforts were however, retarded since the UN, especially the UN Security Council then reflected the geopolitical landscape that emerged from the World War II without according today’s geopolitical realities where developing countries have grown in numbers. Key countries in the council fear dilution of their interests with little regard to undermining the effectiveness of the organization that is crucial to their national interests.
- China can also support Somalia’s cooperation with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa): An emerging economy that aims at promoting peace, security, development and cooperation. Currently, Somalia’s biggest challenge is security which has greatly retarded development regardless of its resources. Somalia could achieve this much desired security and exploit its resources through working with BRICS member states, especially China which has vast experience in mining, fishing, etc. to spur development in this blessed but disadvantaged country. Somalia is a country that has many unexploited minerals that could benefit the two partners. This will also free Somalia’s economic freedom, offer justice to its development agenda while allowing China to also benefit from the cooperation’s agreements. .
- China to further its civilization continuity and adaptability in Somalia. This will be in China’s view of promoting a global community of shared future towards spurring its international development cooperation. Where it appreciates that developing countries have a role to play in development and global stability. Therefore, civilization and adaptability are crucial to poverty reduction and livelihood enhancement within developing countries like Somalia. This will motivate Somalis to express civilization and enhance development through learning, and mutually respect other nations towards attaining global security.
- China and Somalia do also have rich cultures. For the interest of Global Civilization, it is prudent that civilization and culture are addressed side by side. Current trends show that China embodies its beliefs in internationalism, hence the need for a shared culture with other nations. Therefore, China can increase its cultural awareness in Somalia and also get to know more about some of the Somali culture that leans towards Arabic culture to allow ease of cooperation between the two partners.
- China is synonymous with prioritizing development in all countries both socially and economically, therefore emphasizes coordination of plans and strategies with developmental partners to improve citizens’ livelihoods. I believe Somalia requires more investment plans particularly in the fields of education, health care, responses to climate change, disaster relief, environmental protection and agriculture among others. This will assist Somalis to upgrade their lives to avert the frequently recurrent drought, hunger and economic hardships that are witnessed as the country strives to achieve global civilization.
- In the spirit of attaining independent development, Somalis have proved to be hard working and innovative. This is exhibited in the many investments that they have put up globally. The same spirit could be replicated locally if China fully shares its experiences and technologies with Somalia through training local talents and technicians towards empowering Somalis diversified, independent and sustainable development. However, insecurity remains an impediment for Somalia to achieve this.
As I end my contribution to this important topic, I would like to thank President Xi Jinping, The President of the People’s Republic of China on introducing this global topic and opening it for discussion and suggestions. President Xi, and the CPC has always encouraged global closer collaborations and development aimed at alleviating poverty, peaceful coexistence and now global civilization. Your Excellency, once again, may I thank you for your contributions and commitment towards leaving this world better than you found it. I believe God will give a better health to see your efforts yielding fruits.
Amb. Mohammed Ahmed Awil, Former Federal Republic of Somalia Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China
