Speaking at the opening ceremony on July 8, Mr. Lei Pili, Deputy Director-General, Global Development Promotion Center (GDPC), China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) said the world is facing a period of profound transformation and increasing global challenges, requiring stronger international cooperation and shared solutions.

He highlighted that Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed four major global initiatives—the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and Global Governance Initiative (GGI)—which together provide a comprehensive framework for addressing common global challenges and advancing the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Lei noted that over the next 10 days, more than 30 media professionals from 20 countries, including Laos, will exchange views with representatives from Chinese media organisations, universities and enterprises. Participants will also explore China's achievements in opening-up, digital governance, rural revitalisation and international communication while gaining a deeper understanding of the principles and practices of the Global Development Initiative.
Describing development as the "master key" to solving global challenges, Lei said the GDI aligns closely with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Since its launch five years ago, more than 90 countries and international organisations have signed cooperation documents with China under the initiative.
He added that 83 countries, regions and international organisations have joined the Global Development Promotion Center Network, while China has mobilised more than US$23 billion in development funding and implemented over 1,800 cooperation projects across eight priority sectors. These include poverty reduction, food security, public health and vaccines, development financing, climate change and green development, industrialisation, the digital economy, and digital connectivity.
According to Lei, these projects have delivered practical benefits and strengthened solidarity, development and revitalisation among countries of the Global South.
Also addressing the ceremony, Gao Wei welcomed participants on behalf of China Global Television Network and the CCTV Video News Agency under China Media Group.
Gao said this year marks the fifth anniversary of the Global Development Initiative, which has gained increasing international recognition and translated its vision into practical cooperation through platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative.
He stressed that development should not be pursued by any single country alone but through collective efforts, particularly among Global South countries, working together to achieve shared prosperity and inclusive growth.