The Nishan Forum on World Civilization is a premier platform for global dialogue, founded in 2010 to foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding between civilizations.Hosted annually in Qufu, Shandong, the birthplace of the great Chinese philosopher Confucius, the forum serves as a bridge for discussing key global issues such as culture, modernization, and global governance.This year, the 11th Nishan Forum will explore the theme "Beauty in Diversity: Nurturing Understanding Among Civilizations for Global Modernization."It is particularly relevant today as the world faces increasing geopolitical fragmentation.How can civilizations with vastly different traditions and histories cooperate and work towards a common global vision?Xiang Shuchen, professor of philosophy at Xidian University, and Edwin Etieyibo, professor of philosophy at University of Witwatersrand in South Africa, share their opinions with China Africa Talk.China Africa Talk: Could you tell us more about the Nishan Forum? What does "Nishan" mean, and under what context was the forum established? Why it is significant in today's global context?Xiang Shuchen: The Nishan Forum is an international academic and cultural exchange event held in Nishan, Shandong Province, China.
It focuses on promoting dialogue between different civilizations, particularly regarding Confucian thought and traditional Chinese culture and global ethical values.The term 'Nishan' refers to Nishan Mountain, which is a culturally significant site in Qufu, Shandong Province, and the birthplace of Confucius.
According to tradition, Confucius's parents prayed at Nishan Mountain before his birth.This year, the forums global significance comes in a time of growing geopolitical tensions and cultural divides, it is important to find common ground on which we can base shared human values.China Africa Talk:  As mentioned, the forum is closely linked to the great Chinese philosopher Confucius.
What are some of your personal takeaways from Confucianism, and how do you see its values resonating in the modern world, including Africa?Edwin Etieyibo: There are many takeaways, but let me focus on one important one.
Among other things, Confucianism places a high value on harmony and harmonious relationships, which are based on respect for everyone and all cultures.
This promotes peace to varying degrees and resonates not just in Africa, but in the modern world too.So let us start with Africa.
Last year, it was estimated that there were about 28 state-based conflicts across the continent, involving around 16 of the 54 African countries.Clearly, Africans could benefit from Confucianism's emphasis on harmonious relationships and peace.
Africa has the intellectual and philosophical resources to address matters of conflict and peace, as exemplified by the concept of Ubuntu, which promotes humanity and togetherness.
The truth is that those involved in or promoting these conflicts seem to have developed amnesia regarding these important values.
However, it is encouraging to see that Confucianism's values of harmony and peace are shared in the African philosophical tradition, and that there is much that can be exchanged between the two civilizations.Concerning the value of Confucianism to the world, given the current state of fragmentation, chaos and conflict in the world, the less said the better.
The list of chaos goes on and on.  We're in a time when the importance of Confucian values such as harmonious relationships, peace and respect for humanity becomes paramount.China Africa Talk:This year's theme is "Beauty in Diversity: Nurturing Understanding among Civilizations for Global Modernization." What prompted the choice of this theme, and how does it reflect today's global challenges or opportunities?Xiang Shuchen: There's a lot of conflict and base desires.
This year's forum theme is based on a broader ideal expressed by the Martinique thinker Amy Césaire: the work of man is not finished, we have a role to play, and we must walk in step with the world.
Violence entrenched in passion must be conquered.
We must strive towards this ideal, which the Nishan Forum supports.
The theme this year is that there is a place for all at the rendezvous of victory, but it takes effort.
Conflict is the antithesis of that kind of humanitarian will.
As Césaire also says, this work is only just beginning.China Africa Talk: What does this theme bring to mind for you, and how do you think it applies specifically in the context of Africa and broader global dialogue?Edwin Etieyibo: Professor Xiang beautifully captured the essence of the theme and the rationale for its selection for this year's Nishan Forum.
Given our current state of affairs in the modern world, I think it's very important.The first part of the theme is 'Beauty in Diversity'.
I like that phrase.
People tend to ignore the importance of diversity, and I think the forum is trying to bring us back to the core idea that we are better off with diversity than with the idea that there is only one way of doing things.This brings to mind the importance of broader global and cultural dialogue, and of course, respectful engagement with different civilizations.
The notion of 'Beauty in Diversity', with regard to civilizations or cultures, emphasizes the importance of not looking down on any civilization or culture, and of treating all civilizations equally.The only way to enjoy diversity is to avoid the idea of a mono-civilization, a one-world civilization.
Such values and attitudes seem to fly in the face of hegemonic Western attitudes.When we recognize the beauty in diversity, I believe we foster the flourishing of all civilizations and cultures.
We also make room for places like Africa to showcase their contributions to civilization.So, the Nishan Forum helps us appreciate the beauty of diversity and recognize that no culture or civilization is superior to another.China Africa Talk: What would you describe as the core values of Chinese civilization, such as harmony, respect, and benevolence, and how are these shaping China's approach to global engagement, especially in an era of geopolitical uncertainty?Xiang Shuchen:   There's a famous line from the Analects that I like, in which Confucius says, 'when I walk with two others, I am bound to learn from them: the good points of one and the bad points of the other.
I corrected myself.' I think this kind of attitude informs personal conduct, and even today, it relates to other countries and states.
In that statement, Confucius's point is that when I'm with different people who have different perspectives, there is always something I can learn.
So, if someone is doing something good, I will copy them.
I will try to self-reflect and copy their good conduct.
But then that is an opportunity for me to reflect on myself and make sure that I am not doing the same kind of bad behavior as that person.
You can take this on a global and civilizational scale.
That's why there is always something to be learned from other people.
The best way to improve the collective humanity is to lead by example.
The optimistic belief in human nature is that all humans have the capacity to recognize good behavior and be inspired by it.
This is the long-term way to improve human relations and help others.
I think you can still see this attitude in China's international relations today.China Africa Talk:  Could you share some of the values that China and Africa have in common? How can these shared principles contribute to peacebuilding and the resolution of global tensions?Edwin Etieyibo: I want to focus on a value that is not usually seen as prominent, but which I think is common to both China and Africa: family.
This happens to be one of the sub-topics of the forum.
The topic of the forum is the meaning of family and social development from a civilizational perspective.
Family is important for Africa — we are all related, which is why, in many indigenous African languages, there are no terms for strangers.
Nobody says 'stranger; you are always part of us in some sense.
So, family is important for Africa, as it is for China.But, when we talk about family, we're not just talking about the nuclear family or the superficial level of 'my family is just me, the man or the woman in the relationship and the children'.
We're talking about an extended family, where you can say, 'We're related to others who may not be biologically related to us in the strictest sense of biology.'  This sense of family shared by Africa and China has implications for how institutions are built.
It's not just a conceptual notion of family; it has implications for how institutions are built, how we relate to everyone in society, and how we think of others.