As the world grapples with a myriad of challenges, from climate change to public health crises, the Belt and Road Initiative proposed and led by China has emerged as a beacon of hope for those seeking a path towards a more interconnected and collaborative global future. The BRI has successfully weathered several difficulties and tests over the last decade, winning widespread global recognition, according to a recent analysis from the European think tank Bruegel Institute. Developing countries, in particular, are staunch supporters of the project. 

The Greater Bay Area (GBA) Science Forum recently unveiled a groundbreaking sub-forum that delves into the "High-Quality Development of the Belt and Road Initiative." This development not only marks the BRI's 10th anniversary but also highlights its remarkable achievements in the realm of scientific collaboration.

One of the standout accomplishments of the BRI is the implementation of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) Program of International Collaboration for Science and Technology Organizations. This program has not only attracted participants from over 200 international organizations but also drawn in more than 1,000 national-level organizations, extending its influence across 150 countries and regions. China's role in driving global scientific cooperation has never been more evident.

The GBA Science Forum's unveiling of the BRI High-Quality Development Report is a significant step forward in understanding the BRI's impact on scientific innovation and cooperation. This report outlines a clear roadmap for the BRI's future, with ambitious goals set for 2025 and 2035. 

By 2025, the report anticipates achieving breakthroughs in key cooperative areas and mechanisms, while by 2035, the goal is to establish a comprehensive framework for scientific cooperation. This strategy focuses on multifaceted collaborations in areas such as climate change, environmental preservation, disease management, medical technologies, and the health industry.

Bai Chunli, president of the Alliance of International Science Organizations and the GBA Science Forum, lauds the GBA's strategic contributions to the BRI. He recognizes the region's efforts to strengthen economic, scientific, and cultural ties with BRI participant countries. This approach has been pivotal in expanding the reach of China's scientific and technological capabilities, creating significant social and economic benefits.

Zhao Yuliang, director-general of the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, and a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlighted how the support of ANSO has enabled countries like Thailand and Vietnam to become key destinations for China's exports of air pollution control materials, equipment, and technology. This development further underscores China's commitment to sharing its expertise for the greater good.

The Belt and Road Initiative has been widely recognized by the international community as a high-quality public good initiated by China, jointly built by all parties, and shared by the world, all while adhering to the principles of extensive consultation, joint efforts, and shared benefits

Their perspectives resonate among other prominent forum attendees. Together, they emphasize the BRI's significance as a pioneering, comprehensive, and long-term international initiative. It offers new avenues and options for enhancing and evolving the global governance system. Furthermore, the BRI has proven itself as an essential platform for nations involved to collaborate in building a shared future for humanity. The consensus points to the BRI's promising start, symbolizing a decade of fruitful global collaboration.

The CAST Program of International Collaboration for Science and Technology Organizations is a testament to China's growing influence in the realm of global scientific cooperation. By attracting a vast array of international and national organizations, China has showcased its commitment to advancing science and technology for the betterment of all. The BRI is not just about infrastructure development; it is about knowledge sharing, innovation, and collaboration on a global scale.

The roadmap outlined in the BRI High-Quality Development Report is particularly noteworthy. It underscores the BRI's proactive approach to tackling pressing global challenges. By fostering cooperation on climate-related research and initiatives, the BRI can play a pivotal role in mitigating the impacts of climate change and promoting sustainable development. 

Over the last decade, China has worked closely with a variety of partners to co-build the Belt and Road Initiative, transforming ideas into realities and translating them into practical outcomes and benefits for people across borders. Data reveal that over the course of a decade, the Belt and Road Initiative has spurred investment, resulting in the formation of over 3,000 cooperative projects and generating 420,000 job opportunities for countries along the route, thereby lifting nearly 40 million people out of poverty. 

Through trade and investment channels, China has offered substantial benefits to countries along the Belt and Road. Along with institutions such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, the initiative has played a complementary role in development assistance, offering new development chances for these countries.

Moreover, the BRI's focus on managing major infectious diseases is incredibly timely, given the recent experience with the COVID-19 pandemic. Global health security depends on a coordinated effort, and the BRI has the potential to serve as a platform for information exchange, research collaboration, and the development of innovative healthcare solutions.

In the realm of medical technologies and the health industry, the BRI can facilitate cross-border research and development, allowing for the faster dissemination of breakthroughs in healthcare. This can lead to improved access to healthcare services for communities along the BRI route and beyond.

As we reflect on the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, it is clear that this ambitious project has transcended its initial goals of infrastructure development. It has become a catalyst for global scientific cooperation and innovation, addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges.

The Greater Bay Area Science Forum's "High-Quality Development of the Belt and Road Initiative" sub-forum is a testament to the BRI's commitment to fostering international collaboration. With a roadmap that outlines ambitious goals for the future, the BRI is poised to make significant contributions to combatting climate change, managing infectious diseases, advancing medical technologies, and promoting the health industry.

China's role in driving global scientific cooperation is on the rise, and the BRI is at the forefront of this effort. As we look ahead, we must continue to support and invest in initiatives like the BRI that promote a more interconnected, collaborative, and scientifically advanced world. 

The Belt and Road Initiative has been widely recognized by the international community as a high-quality public good initiated by China, jointly built by all parties, and shared by the world, all while adhering to the principles of extensive consultation, joint efforts, and shared benefits, which is why it has been widely recognized. In doing so, we can build a shared future for humanity that benefits us all.

The author is editor-in-chief of the Observer Diplomat magazine in Pakistan. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.