IN the face of formidable global challenges, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a transformative path toward addressing critical issues that have plagued social development worldwide. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with geopolitical conflicts like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has triggered an alarming rise in global poverty levels. In this context, the BRI stands as a strategic initiative that holds the potential to alleviate poverty, enhance agricultural productivity and improve access to essential resources such as clean water and sanitation.
The BRI, launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, stands as one of the 21st century’s most ambitious projects aimed at fostering social development across participating countries. In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, the BRI takes a multidisciplinary approach centred around sustainability, addressing the pressing challenges of economic disparities, youth unemployment and social unrest in developing nations that hinder social development.
Social development is a multifaceted process that encompasses various aspects of human life, aiming to improve the well-being and quality of life for individuals and communities. To gauge the progress of societies in this regard, social development indicators are crucial tools. Among the many factors contributing to social development, youth engagement stands out as a key catalyst for positive change. The 21st century is marked by unprecedented innovation and technological progress. However, this wave of development has also brought forth potential threats, particularly in developing countries where economic squeezing and a burgeoning youth population can lead to unrest. Recent uprisings in the Middle East and instances of militancy worldwide underscore the urgency of addressing economic disparities and unemployment to ensure stability.
The BRI, with its emphasis on holistic and sustainable development, provides a transformative model for nations grappling with these challenges. President Xi’s vision for the initiative goes beyond mere infrastructure projects; it aims to create a comprehensive network fostering economic cooperation, cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity. By doing so, the BRI seeks to address the root causes of social unrest, offering a pathway to inclusive and balanced development.
China’s remarkable achievement in lifting itself out of poverty by 2020, a goal outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG-1), serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the BRI’s approach. The Chinese experience in poverty alleviation provides valuable insight and inspiration for other BRI countries facing similar challenges. Through targeted investment in infrastructure, education and healthcare, China was able to create an environment conducive to sustainable development. The BRI leverages this expertise, aiming to replicate China’s success in poverty alleviation across participating nations. By sharing knowledge, resources and best practices, China acts as a mentor to BRI countries, fostering a sense of collaboration and mutual development.
A critical aspect of the BRI’s impact on social development is its focus on reducing unemployment and poverty. By investing in infrastructure projects, the initiative generates employment opportunities, providing a source of income for local communities. The improved connectivity and economic cooperation facilitated by the BRI contribute to the overall economic growth of participating countries, leading to enhanced job creation.
Moreover, poverty alleviation programs, modeled after China’s success, are being implemented to uplift communities and improve living standards. The BRI recognizes that sustainable development goes hand in hand with poverty reduction, creating a ripple effect that positively influences various aspects of society and social development. BRI is becoming a central nerve as it links with many other areas of social development, including education which is a cornerstone of social development. Access to quality education is a vital indicator, reflecting a society’s commitment to empowering its citizens. Literacy rates, enrollment in primary and secondary education and access to higher education are key metrics. A society that invests in its education system is laying the groundwork for social progress. BRI countries can invest in education when they raise the standards of living of the people through poverty eradication and creating more opportunities for jobs. Healthcare systems, economic opportunities, technology and innovation are all linked with BRI.
For the first time in two decades, global extreme poverty has increased, impacting 574 million people who are expected to live in extreme poverty by the end of 2030. This surge is a consequence of the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic and conflicts around the world. The BRI, with its focus on infrastructure development, economic cooperation and poverty reduction, becomes a crucial tool in uplifting nations and communities grappling with the harsh realities of poverty. The United States, too, faces internal challenges with 11.6% of its population living in poverty. Disparities are stark among different ethnic groups, with Black, Hispanic and Native American populations experiencing higher-than-average poverty rates.
The BRI’s emphasis on inclusive development and economic cooperation could provide a blueprint for addressing such disparities and fostering sustainable economic growth. Disparities in food expenditure as a percentage of income highlight the urgent need for solutions. In 2021, developed countries spent 14% of their income on food, compared to 30% in developing nations. The BRI, by promoting agricultural cooperation and investment, aims to bridge these gaps, fostering self-sufficiency and ensuring food security for vulnerable populations. A staggering 45% of deaths among children under five are attributed to undernutrition. The BRI, with its commitment to agricultural development and technological cooperation, can play a pivotal role in increasing crop yields, especially in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa. By addressing the root causes of undernutrition, the initiative contributes to a healthier and more prosperous global society.
Access to proper sanitation remains a critical challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where only 25% of the population has proper facilities. Basic hygiene, including access to soap and water, is lacking for 63% of people in least developed countries. The BRI’s infrastructure projects, which include investment in water and sanitation facilities, can significantly improve living conditions and promote public health. Despite progress, millions still lack access to clean drinking water. In 2020, 282 million people spent over 30 minutes collecting safe drinking water. The BRI’s focus on infrastructure development can address these challenges, ensuring that communities worldwide have access to clean water resources, thereby contributing to improved health outcomes. Through collaboration, shared knowledge and strategic investment, the BRI is not merely a collection of infrastructure projects but a comprehensive strategy for fostering peace, stability and prosperity across the participating nations. It acts just like a central nerve in a body.
—The writer is the President of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD).
Email: qaisernawab098@gmail.com
views expressed are writer’s own.
