National People's Congress deputies walk out of the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, March 11, 2024. [Photo/VCG]

The annual two sessions is taking place at a critical juncture in history. Continuing conflicts, a resurgence of anti-globalization and multilateralism forces, and disrespect for rules of the United Nations have turned the world into a home of multiple problems.

According to the latest UN World Food Programme report, 3.1 billion people cannot afford healthy food and 2 billion cannot access safe drinking water. Prolonging of the Gaza and Ukrainian crises cannot be ruled out.

In this context, this year's two sessions, or the annual gatherings of the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, and the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body, are of immense importance.

As participants review challenges and step toward the centennial goal of national rejuvenation, the global community, especially the Global South, is watching to see how China can help it overcome headwinds and sustain the dreams for peace and development.

China has taken many steps in countering anti-globalization, supporting multilateralism, creating new development opportunities, tackling climate change, pushing for restoration of peace in the Middle East and Europe, and promoting global prosperity.

President Xi Jinping's concept of a community with a shared future for mankind is increasingly relevant, as "mankind ... is increasingly becoming a community with a shared future in which everyone's interest is closely interlinked".

The community with a shared future is a well-placed, comprehensive vision to build a fair, rule-based, corruption-free, secure, and prosperous society.

This can be achieved through rule of law, a balanced economy, and people-centric governance.

As Chinese philosophy states, policies, plans and visions without actions are merely thoughts; nothing else. China has supported the concept with at least five pillars. The Belt and Road Initiative is spreading all over the world while adhering to the traditional wisdom of shared growth. The Global Development Initiative was introduced in accordance with the vision of shared prosperity. The Global Security Initiative aims for common, comprehensive, coordinated, and sustainable security. The Global Civilization Initiative highlights harmony in diversity. Furthermore, President Xi has stressed the construction of ecological civilization derived from the philosophy of harmony between the planet and humans and among humans.

China also helped launch two significant platforms: the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the China International Import Expo. The AIIB assists poor and developing countries, demonstrating China's commitment to achieving prosperity for all. The CIIE promotes trade and generates opportunities for the developing world.

China has accelerated its efforts to sustain multilateralism. The speech by Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the UN Security Council on Feb 18 is an example.

Wang's speech expounded China's commitment to addressing challenges, working together with the rest of the world and creating a fair, prosperous and peaceful world for everyone. He denounced the trend of prioritizing self-interest and unfairness, and called for respect for sovereignty and human life and a peaceful settlement in Gaza.

He emphasized that the vision of a community with a shared future provides the framework for reforming the system and striving for a peaceful and prosperous world.

It is hard to achieve national rejuvenation without sharing prosperity and dividends of peace globally. President Xi's vision distinguishes itself by furthering the idea of cosmopolitanism.

China believes development is key to solving all problems, yet we cannot achieve sustainable peace and prosperity without fairness, respect for diversity, sovereignty, human rights, and the development of everyone. China has been advancing these common values.

It is expected that the two sessions will prove China continues to be a firm supporter of the Global South in achieving sustainable development against all odds while being an active player with the rest of the world to navigate challenges and strive for political and diplomatic ending of conflicts.

The author is CEO of the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development in Pakistan.