On June 10, the world celebrated the inaugural International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, a UN initiative championed by China and backed by over 80 countries. The day ignited cultural exchanges from academic forums in Athens to tea ceremonies in Mauritius, spotlighting the power of mutual respect and inclusive development.
Just one month later, Beijing hosted the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting under the theme “Safeguarding Diversity of Human Civilizations for World Peace and Development.” Over two days, more than 600 guests from 140 countries and regions explored how diverse cultures can bridge gaps and address global challenges together.
At the forum, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged civilizations to transcend estrangement through exchanges and to replace clashes with mutual learning. This vision builds on China’s Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), which followed the Global Development Initiative in 2021 and the Global Security Initiative in 2022, framing them as vital public goods for humanity.
Cai Qi, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted GCI’s roots in China’s rich cultural heritage and its positive reception worldwide. With challenges to peace and development mounting, Cai called for fresh models of cooperation, deeper cultural inheritance, and stronger people-to-people ties.
China has put dialogue into practice through multilateral platforms like the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations and the China–ASEAN People-to-People Exchange Year. Joint archaeological projects along the Belt and Road, art festivals and the Luban Workshop exemplify exchanges that foster mutual understanding and tangible benefits.
To make travel easier, China offers unilateral visa exemption for 47 countries and transit visa exemption for 55. These steps, along with more convenient payment systems, have created a friendlier environment for inbound tourists and cultural explorers.
Looking ahead, Xi pledged to work with global partners to promote equality, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations, turning the GCI into a vibrant network for cooperation. As young global citizens seek fresh perspectives, these efforts promise to fuel innovation, sustainability and solidarity across cultures.
Reference(s):
China promotes integration, mutual learning among civilizations
cgtn.com
