This week in Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius, the 10th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations kicked off, drawing international leaders from politics, media, and philosophy. The forum, now in its tenth year, explores shared values amidst global challenges.
Expanding its scope, this year’s event introduced a sports culture forum and a family culture symposium, along with a Sino-Italian dialogue on classical civilizations. These additions highlight the forum’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and mutual respect.
During the opening ceremony, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach emphasized the alignment between the forum’s goals and the Olympic vision. He recalled Pierre de Coubertin’s founding of the Olympic Games 130 years ago to bridge nations through sport and dialogue.
Confucius, a cornerstone of Chinese philosophy, advocated for morality, social harmony, and ethical conduct. Core concepts like humanness (Ren), ritual propriety (Li), and filial piety (Xiao) resonate with Olympic values of integrity, respect, and fair play.
Du Li, a Chinese Olympic Champion, highlighted the importance of sportsmanship, stating, \"Sports competitions are not only about competition but also about sportsmanship by displaying fairness, openness and justness.\"
The Nishan Forum’s focus on civilizational exchange echoes the Olympic movement’s aim to promote a peaceful, united global community. By integrating Confucian principles, the forum fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, paving the way for a more harmonious world.
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Here's how Chinese traditional culture resonates with Olympic values
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