Africa-Press – Kenya. Kenya has reiterated its strong support for the Global Development Initiative (GDI), underscoring the country’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth aligned with Vision 2030.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, speaking through Ambassador Lucy Kiruthu, Deputy Director-General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Kenya believes in the GDI’s objectives.
He made the remarks during a seminar organized by the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi.
The event, themed “Joining Hands to Implement Global Development Initiative: Building Balanced and Universally Beneficial Partnerships for Development,” brought together global stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing development.
“Kenya views GDI not only as an important initiative but also as a platform for inclusiveness in planning and prioritising projects that address the needs of developing countries,” Mudavadi said.
He noted that Kenya has benefited from triangular cooperation in sectors such as education, water and sanitation, smart agriculture, and value addition—projects that, though modest, have improved livelihoods in rural communities.
Mudavadi urged international organizations to collaborate with GDI and contribute to the South-South Cooperation Fund, supporting social sector and infrastructure projects that promote food security, nutrition, and private-sector-driven growth.
“Kenya remains committed to working with UN agencies, international organizations, and like-minded partners to ensure the effective delivery of GDI’s objectives,” he added.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan described the GDI as a “strong engine” for advancing inclusive, balanced, and sustainable development globally.
Guo said the initiative fosters cooperation among countries of the Global South and promotes shared benefits for all stakeholders.
“Development is a timeless pursuit of humanity, and both China and Kenya, along with other nations, share a commitment to advancing progress for the common good,” she said.
She observed that the world is undergoing significant change, with slow economic recovery and widening global inequalities.
“To address these challenges, consensus and cooperation are more critical than ever,” she said.
Proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the GDI seeks to address key questions of development—why it is needed, for whom, and how it should be achieved.
The initiative aligns with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and is guided by six core principles: development as a priority, people-centred approaches, inclusiveness, innovation, harmony with nature, and results-oriented action.
To date, GDI has attracted participation from more than 130 countries and international organisations, with over 80, including Kenya, joining the Group of Friends of GDI.
Guo noted that China has mobilised more than USD 23 billion to support 1,800 cooperation projects in eight priority areas: poverty reduction, food security, pandemic response, climate change, industrialisation, financing for development, digital connectivity, and the digital economy.
The Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, now valued at USD 4 billion, has supported more than 20 international organisations to implement over 190 livelihood projects in 60 countries, benefiting more than 30 million people.
She emphasised that GDI is results-oriented and has produced tangible impacts, particularly in developing countries.
“It is a golden bridge that strengthens cooperation among the Global South,” said Zhang Zhizhong, China’s Deputy Chief of Mission, noting the initiative’s role in promoting fair access to development opportunities and reducing global inequalities.
On China-Kenya relations, Guo said cooperation has flourished under GDI, citing infrastructure projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, Thwake Dam, Nairobi Expressway, Garissa Solar Power Station, and Talanta Sports Stadium as examples of shared progress.
China is Kenya’s largest trading partner, while Kenya remains China’s leading partner in East Africa. Kenyan exports, including tea, coffee, flowers, and avocados, continue to benefit from China’s zero-tariff measures.
Guo also outlined China’s continued commitment to global development.
Over the next five years, China plans to implement 2,000 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects in developing countries, establish a digital capacity-building fund under GDI’s Digital South initiative, launch 200 maritime development projects for small island nations, and roll out a Clean Stove Project to promote sustainable living.
“A China that advances modernisation creates opportunities for all countries. A China committed to peace and development shoulders greater responsibilities for humanity’s progress,” she said.
UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya Stephen Jackson acknowledged ongoing challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the effects of COVID-19 and global conflicts.
He described GDI as a “ray of hope,” stressing the importance of multilateralism and international cooperation in closing financing gaps and promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development.
Jackson highlighted the Sevilla Commitment—adopted earlier this year—which provides a framework to help close the estimated USD 4 trillion financing gap for sustainable development.
He called for scaling up concessional finance, reducing the cost of capital, and reforming the international financial architecture to better reflect the aspirations of developing countries.
“Effective global governance requires multilateral approaches and greater participation in decision-making for all countries,” Jackson said.
UNON Director-General Zainab Hawa Bangura reiterated that multilateralism remains central to achieving inclusive, resilient, and sustainable progress.
The seminar concluded with a shared call for collaboration, solidarity, and commitment to collective growth.
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