On December 9, 2025, more than 50 representatives from government departments, international organizations and academic institutions from nearly 10 countries and regions gathered in the Macao SAR for the opening of the 2025 International Forum on Mutual Learning Among Civilizations. The two-day event, organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR government with support from the Chinese Academy of History of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, aims to spark deeper intercultural dialogue, cultural innovation and cooperative development.
Qian Chengdan, Boya chair professor at Peking University, opened the forum by underscoring diversity as the cornerstone of human progress. "Without diversity, mutual learning loses its meaning," Qian said, tracing civilizational growth to centuries of contact, comparison and adaptation. He challenged Western-centric narratives born during colonial expansion, arguing that the global modernization of the 20th century was not a "clash of civilizations" but a "return of civilizations" as non-Western societies regained confidence and reversed unequal ties.
Li Guoqiang, vice president of the Chinese Academy of History and member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, illustrated his argument with historical examples. He pointed to the keju system – China's imperial examination model – and its influence on Britain's civil service reforms. Li also celebrated Macao's long history as a gateway for East-West exchange since the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, highlighting how openness and inclusiveness allow different civilizations to coexist, integrate and thrive.
Speakers agreed that no single nation holds all the answers to today's global challenges. By embracing mutual learning, they said, humanity can better navigate questions of morality and interests, individualism and collectivism, and our relationship with nature – laying the groundwork for lasting development and shared prosperity.
The forum continues through December 10, bringing together scholars, policymakers and thought leaders to chart a path toward a more inclusive and interconnected world.
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Experts call for deeper civilizational dialogue at forum in Macao SAR
cgtn.com
