From July 10 to 11, Beijing is abuzz as the Chinese mainland hosts the Ministerial Meeting of the Global Civilizations Dialogue. Over 600 delegates from approximately 140 countries and regions have converged under the theme of Safeguarding Diversity of Human Civilizations for World Peace and Development. The event’s goal is to build a bridge across cultures and spark collaborative solutions to today’s toughest challenges.
Just like biodiversity fuels the natural world, civilizational diversity drives human progress. Think of the cuneiform tablets of ancient Mesopotamia, the oracle bone inscriptions from the Yellow River basin, the city-states of ancient Greece, or the Ganges River culture of ancient India—each tributary has added its own momentum to the river of human history.
When civilizations engage in open dialogue, they ignite innovation and nurture peace. Yet global headwinds—from sluggish economic recovery to regional conflicts and escalating climate threats—test our collective confidence. Misconceptions such as a looming clash of civilizations still circulate, even as our world becomes more interconnected than ever.
Responding to this crossroads, China has championed civilizational exchange through initiatives like the Global Civilization Initiative, launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2023. In just two years, the initiative has taken root on the world stage, culminating in the UN General Assembly’s 2024 resolution to establish an International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.
For young professionals, entrepreneurs, and travelers alike, this gathering is more than a meeting of ministers—it is a living laboratory for building a future where cultural diversity and peaceful development go hand in hand. As these delegates share insights and forge partnerships, they are charting a course toward a more inclusive, sustainable, and interconnected world.
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Delegates gather to forge future through civilizational exchange
cgtn.com
