Editor's note: In his 2026 New Year message on Wednesday evening, President Xi Jinping summed up the tangible progress made in 2025 and called for solid steps to promote high-quality development in the new year to deliver prosperity for all. Experts shared their views with China Daily's Li Wei, Li Huixian, and Zhang Xi on why the address is inspiring for all. Excerpts follow:

A better life for all

The congratulatory message places "building a better life and enjoying it together" at the forefront of the national development narrative, reflecting how the people-centered development philosophy is being transformed into concrete and heartfelt practices. From the unity and integration of various ethnic groups in Xizang and Xinjiang to the protection of rights for new employment groups, age-friendly renovations, and childcare subsidies, these policy details highlight the deepening progress in improving people's sense of gain — not only focusing on material foundations, but also emphasizing social equity and intergenerational care. Particularly touching is the metaphor of the "small family" and the "big family", which vividly illustrates the symbiotic relationship between people's livelihood development and national prosperity — when the daily essentials of every household are infused with the warmth of policy, Chinese modernization truly takes root in the people's sense of happiness. On this new journey, how to further transform "development for the people" into sustainable well-being through institutional innovation remains a contemporary issue that we will continue to explore.

Gao Boyang, a professor at the Central University of Finance and Economics. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.