This week, more than 50 government leaders, global groups and experts from about 10 countries gathered in China’s Macao Special Administrative Region for the 2025 International Forum on Mutual Learning Among Civilizations. On Tuesday, the forum kicked off with a keynote by Alfred Hornung, member of Academia Europaea, who praised the enduring value of Confucius’ thoughts for today’s interconnected world.
Hornung highlighted how Confucius’ teachings on harmony, reciprocity and moral leadership offer timeless insights for addressing modern challenges—from ethical dilemmas in AI development to global governance. “In an age where cultural understanding is more crucial than ever, Confucian principles remind us that respect and mutual benefit form the foundation of sustainable cooperation,” he said.
The forum, now in its sixth edition, serves as a platform for dialogue across cultures and disciplines. Sessions cover themes such as digital transformation, sustainable development and youth empowerment, reflecting the forum’s goal to foster inclusive conversations that bridge diverse perspectives.
Participants spoke about collaborative projects that apply Confucian ideas to education reforms, community-building initiatives and corporate ethics programs. For example, a pilot program in Southeast Asia is exploring how ren—the Confucian concept of benevolence—can inform leadership training in social enterprises.
As the forum continues through Friday, attendees will engage in workshops, panel discussions and cultural performances. Organizers aim to translate philosophical insights into actionable strategies, empowering young changemakers to build a more harmonious global community.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
