Over 600 participants from all over the world signed up with the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting kept in Beijing on Thursday and Friday.Under the theme Safeguarding Diversity of Human Civilizations for World Peace and Development, individuals at parallel sub-forums on Friday highlighted the value of shared knowing amongst civilizations.They highlighted that making use of the wisdom of varied cultures can function as a powerful catalyst for shared success, along with for advancing cultural inheritance and innovation.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent out a congratulatory message to the forum, stressing that dialogue is the path to peace.
He mentioned that conflict, intolerance and misinformation are pressing the world to the brink of fragmentation.
Against this backdrop, dialogue is more vital than ever and that the abundant diversity of civilizations is an effective force for mutual understanding and worldwide solidarity.Former Japanese Prime Minister Hatoyama Yukio offered full support for Chinas Global Civilization Initiative (GCI).
Versus the backdrop of some countries reverting to zero-sum mentality and repeating wars and confrontations around the world, China has actually maintained tranquil development, connecting the world through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and structure agreement through the Global Development Initiative (GDI), he said.By proposing the concept of a neighborhood with a shared future for mankind, China goes beyond hegemonic reasoning, and accepts the variety of civilizations, injecting sustainable strength into worldwide governance, he added.Former Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba enhanced this vision, highlighting that Namibia and Chinas all-weather relationship is rooted in mutual regard, understanding and trust.
He called on all countries to support the GCI, believing it will guide humanity toward a more inclusive, steady, peaceful and flourishing future.Belgiums Former Prime Minister Yves Leterme stated the need to strengthen discussion amongst civilizations is immediate in todays challenging times.In a quote to promote the shared values of all humanity, countries should promote useful dialogue to motivate exchanges among civilizations, create more opportunities for groups and individuals to understand each others cultures, he stated, requiring removing barriers and misconceptions, building agreement and actively pursuing cooperation.Roger T.
Ames, a professor at both the University of Hawaii and Peking University, noted that civilizational dialogue uses an alternative to nation-state-centered geopolitics.
Instead of simply enduring other cultures, we need to trigger our differences to make a difference for each other, he said.Simon Lichtenberg, the All China Founding Chairman of the Danish Chamber of Commerce in China, emphasized that mutual understanding and respect are essential to global advancement.
International exchanges and development require everyone to comprehend and respect each other, he said.Speaking about the importance of cultural inheritance, Salim AlMalik, director-general of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, explained culture as the identity of a nation and its individuals.
We can not comprehend the present, not to mention shape the future, if we do not preserve our culture, especially that of the past, he stated on the sidelines of a sub-forum focused on cultural inheritance and innovation.Protecting cultural heritage is important to maintaining and handing down culture, stated Su Bomin, dean of the Dunhuang Academy, urging greater efforts to deepen research and accept new technologies.
Cultural inheritance is how we pay homage to these legacies, stated Wong Foon Meng, previous president of the Senate of Malaysia, including that the most effective developments frequently emerge from an extensive engagement with cultural heritage, reinterpreted in ways that resonate with new generations.