NDB president highly commends concept of "building community with shared future for mankind"

The concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, is of great significance for promoting global development and prosperity, said Dilma Rousseff, president of the Shanghai-based New Development Bank (NDB).

In an interview with the China Media Group (CMG) in Shanghai on Monday, the NDB president shared her thoughts on the concept and its relevance in the current global context.

"I believe the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind is a fundamental idea for the current historical period we are in. I think this concept is noble and international in scope. That's why we established the New Development Bank, the bank I lead. It's a bank that aligns with the vision of shared development, growth, and values. These ideas also represent the highest values of human civilization as understood by the world: respect for different cultures, respect for different civilizations, and the recognition that no single development model should be imposed on other countries," said Rousseff.

Rousseff further emphasized the importance of mutual respect among nations, advocating for the peaceful resolution of conflicts rather than resorting to war.

She noted that while competition plays a role in international relations, addressing global challenges should be based on collective actions and cooperation between nations.

"Based on this concept, there are also the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and three other major global initiatives: the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. These three global initiatives are the fundamental pillars I believe in and the core values and principles of the New Development Bank set up by the BRICS. I believe this is a very noble worldview," said Rousseff.

Opened in 2015, the New Development Bank (NDB), set up by the BRICS, aims to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries.

As the first multilateral development bank initiated entirely by emerging economies and developing countries, the NBD has provided much-needed financial support for infrastructure, clean energy, environmental protection and digital infrastructure development among BRICS nations, making it a flagship of BRICS cooperation.

NDB president highly commends concept of "building community with shared future for mankind"

In his new year's call to world leaders, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged world leaders to get "priorities straight" and invest in development, not destruction.

"As we enter the new year, the world stands at a crossroads. Chaos and uncertainty surround us. Division. Violence. Climate breakdown. And systemic violations of international law. A retreat from the very principles that bind us together as a human family. People everywhere are asking: Are leaders even listening? Are they ready to act?" Guterres said in his New Year message for 2026.

The scale of global suffering remains severe. More than one-quarter of humanity lives in conflict-affected areas, over 200 million people require humanitarian assistance, and nearly 120 million have been forcibly displaced by war, crises, disasters or persecution, according to UN statistics.

"As we turn the page on a turbulent year, one fact speaks louder than words: Global military spending has soared to 2.7 trillion dollars, growing by almost 10 percent. That is thirteen times more than all development aid, equivalent to the entire Gross Domestic Product of Africa. All, while conflict rages at levels unseen since World War II. On this new year, let's resolve to get our priorities straight. A safer world begins by investing more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars," said the UN chief.

A UN report released in September 2025 showed that rising military spending comes at a high opportunity cost, noting that less than 4 percent of current global military expenditure could end world hunger by 2030, just over 10 percent could vaccinate every child worldwide, and reallocating 15 percent would be sufficient to cover annual climate adaptation costs in developing countries.

"Peace must prevail. It's clear the world has the resources to lift lives, heal the planet, and secure a future of peace and justice. In 2026, I call on leaders everywhere: Get serious. Choose people and planet over pain. And I urge everyone who hears this message: Play your part. Our future depends on our collective courage to act. This new year, let‘’s rise together: For justice. For humanity. For peace," he said.

UN chief issues New Year's call to world leaders for peace, development