In a recent episode of CGTN's Decoding China series, Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO's Beijing Office, emphasized the crucial role of cultural confidence in national rejuvenation. Drawing inspiration from President Xi Jinping's insights, Khan articulated that a deep understanding of a nation's history and evolution is fundamental to building confidence among its people.
Khan highlighted China's extensive contributions to global development, particularly in education, science, and culture. He cited the Great Wall Scholarship, which facilitates educational exchanges for students from developing countries, and the establishment of ICT centers in Shenzhen that support smart classroom initiatives in regions like Mongolia. Additionally, private sector giants such as Huawei and Tencent are actively collaborating with UNESCO to advance educational and technological projects worldwide.
In the realm of science and technology, China’s collaboration with UNESCO includes the Chinese Academy of Sciences and specialized centers in Langfang focused on geochemistry. These initiatives not only bolster China’s scientific advancements but also provide valuable resources to other nations in areas like rare metal exploration.
Khan also underscored the importance of cultural exchanges in promoting mutual understanding. He shared anecdotes from his visits to historic sites like Hangzhou's Grand Canal and the Liangzhu ruins, drawing parallels with other ancient civilizations such as the Indus Valley and Inca. These exchanges, he believes, foster a global community that values diversity, peace, and sustainable development.
Looking ahead, Khan expressed optimism about upcoming UNESCO events in China, including the Fifth World Conference on Biosphere Reserves in 2025, which aims to shape the next decade of environmental conservation efforts. He concluded by reiterating the vision of a world enriched by diverse cultures and united by shared values, where no one is left behind.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
