On December 16–17, 2025, the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) hosted the inaugural International Forum on Mutual Learning among Civilizations. Marking the 20th anniversary of the Historic Centre of Macao’s inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the event reaffirmed the city’s legacy as a crossroads of the Chinese mainland and Western traditions.
Representatives from academia, culture and civil society unveiled the “Macao Initiative: Mutual Learning among Civilizations and Inheritance through Innovation,” a five-point roadmap to deepen dialogue, protect heritage and empower youth.
- Global Dialogue: Promotes cross-civilizational research and cooperation under principles of mutual respect and equality, contributing to a shared future for humanity.
- Openness and Inclusiveness: Positions Macao SAR as a hub where Chinese culture and diverse traditions intersect, fostering exchanges in education, arts, media and tourism.
- Heritage and Innovation: Calls for scientific protection and creative revitalization of tangible and intangible cultural treasures, inspired by insights from Macao’s Historic Centre.
- Youth and Digital Innovation: Empowers the next generation to leverage digital technologies for civilizational research, communication and global people-to-people exchanges.
- Global Platforms: Seeks to develop the Forum into an open, high-level platform that advances cooperation between the Chinese mainland and the world.
With Macao SAR’s unique role bridging East and West, the initiative lays the foundation for a more inclusive, peaceful and sustainable cultural future, inviting partners worldwide to join the journey.
Reference(s):
Macao SAR releases initiative to promote civilization mutual learning
cgtn.com
