A certificate workshop on Xi’s Global Initiatives was held on February 18, 2025, at the University of the Punjab, marking what organizers described as the first academic certificate program focused specifically on the set of policy frameworks proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The event brought together graduate students, researchers, media professionals and faculty members to examine China’s Global Development, Security, Civilization and Governance initiatives.
The program was organized in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy and academic departments at the university’s New Campus, including Journalism Studies and Communication and Media Research.
What was the event about?
The workshop focused on four policy concepts introduced by Xi in recent years:
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Global Development Initiative (GDI)
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Global Security Initiative (GSI)
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Global Civilization Initiative (GCI)
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Global Governance Initiative (GGI)
Speakers described these initiatives as frameworks addressing economic development, international security, intercultural dialogue and reform of global governance structures.
About 50 MPhil, MS and Ph.D. students, along with scholars and media professionals, participated in the certificate program.
Who spoke at the workshop?
Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, President of the Center for Knowledge and Public Policy, delivered the keynote address. He outlined the objectives and scope of the four initiatives and described them as platforms aimed at development, cooperation and dialogue.
Prof. Dr. Mian Hanan Ahmad, Chairperson of the Department of Journalism Studies, discussed the initiatives in the context of shifting regional and global geopolitics. He highlighted themes such as regional stability and international cooperation.
Prof. Dr. Noshina Saleem, Chairperson of the Department of Communication and Media Research, addressed the Global Civilization Initiative, focusing on cultural exchange, civilizational diversity and dialogue.
Zulkafil Hassan Khan, Executive Director of the Center for Knowledge and Public Policy, spoke about the Global Security Initiative and its stated principles, including respect for sovereignty, peaceful dispute resolution and adherence to the U.N. Charter.
What are Xi’s Global Initiatives?
China has presented the four initiatives as interconnected frameworks:
Global Development Initiative (GDI) focuses on economic growth, poverty reduction and implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Global Security Initiative (GSI) promotes what Chinese officials describe as comprehensive and cooperative security, emphasizing dialogue, sovereignty and non-interference.
Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) calls for respect for cultural diversity and increased dialogue among civilizations.
Global Governance Initiative (GGI) aims to strengthen multilateral institutions and increase the representation of developing countries in global decision-making processes.
During the workshop, speakers characterized these initiatives as responses to geopolitical tensions and as alternatives to what they described as bloc-based security arrangements.
What issues were discussed?
The event included a question-and-answer session. Participants raised topics such as:
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The “debt trap” narrative surrounding Chinese overseas investments
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Developments in the South China Sea
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The second phase of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
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The status of Pakistan–China relations
Speakers responded by outlining China’s stated foreign policy principles, including mutual respect and peaceful conflict resolution.
Why does the event matter?
The workshop reflects growing academic engagement in Pakistan with Chinese foreign policy concepts and strategic initiatives. It also highlights ongoing cooperation between Pakistani institutions and Chinese diplomatic missions in educational programming.
Organizers said participation certificates were awarded to attendees, and honorary certificates were presented to speakers at the conclusion of the event.
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