INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations will be held in Qufu, in east China's Shandong Province, on July 9-10, 2025.Since its inception
in 2010, the forum has brought together global experts to explore ways to integrate diverse cultural perspectives and find solutions to
universal human challenges
It has become a crucial platform for understanding China, fostering cultural exchanges, and building consensus on global civilization.In an
era marked by political tensions and rising trade barriers, the need for dialogue between civilizations has never been more urgent
This year's forum, themed "Beauty in Diversity: Nurturing Understanding Among Civilizations for Global Modernization," emphasizes China's
vision of preserving the diversity of human civilizations while promoting peaceful global development.The forum will cover a variety of
sub-topics, including the origins and future of civilization, the contemporary relevance of Confucian culture, global modernization, family
and social development and the role of AI in shaping humanity's future.Over 500 guests are expected, including around 300 international
participants from more than 70 countries
The attendees will include foreign dignitaries, representatives from international organizations, ambassadors to China and global
experts.What is Nishan Forum?Named after Nishan Mountain (formerly Ni Qiu Hill), about 30 kilometers southeast of Qufu, the forum is rooted
in the birthplace of the great Chinese philosopher and educator, Confucius. Confucius (551-479 BCE) emphasized morality, social harmony and
His teachings, recorded in the Analects, laid the foundation for Confucianism and continue to influence global thought.The core values of
Confucianism – virtue, social harmony, the importance of family, and a commitment to self-improvement – remain pivotal today
These values emphasize ethical behavior, social responsibility and the pursuit of knowledge, all of which contribute to a well-ordered
society.This year's forum will highlight Confucianism's relevance in addressing modern challenges and promoting peaceful coexistence among
One parallel session, for example, will focus on the dialogue between ancient Chinese and Egyptian civilizations, while another will explore
shared values between Eastern and Western philosophies.Yang Zhaoming, a professor at the Institute of Confucian Studies at Shandong
University, said, "Through the Nishan Forum, a bridge has been built between China and the world, playing a unique role in promoting global
cultural diversity." He noted that over the years, the forum has fostered mutual understanding and respect among different countries and
cultures, contributing to the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity.Bridging cultural differencesRoger T
Ames, a renowned American scholar and chair professor at Peking University, will attend this year's forum
In a recent interview with The Economic Observer, Ames explained that while international relations often focus on economic and political
issues within a geopolitical framework, civilizational dialogue transcends these boundaries.He said that civilizational dialogue encourages
reflection on cultural identity, values, shared history, and the interdependence of fortune and misfortune
This approach offers a more holistic view of the world, with an emphasis on embracing differences, engaging with cultural diversity, and
fostering a character that celebrates harmony in diversity
He believes these values should form humanity's shared foundation.Ames also pointed out that contemporary society faces numerous pressing
challenges – such as global warming, environmental degradation, large-scale population displacement, food and water shortages and proxy
He believe that civilizational dialogue and mutual learning can help mitigate these issues.Ames further noted that the West often
misinterprets Chinese philosophy through the lens of Western modernity, leading to misunderstandings
He stressed that core Confucian values like inclusiveness, interdependence and holistic thinking have great significance for addressing
current global issues.Wang Xuedian, vice president of the International Confucian Association and director of the Institute for Advanced
Studies on Confucian Culture at Shandong University, also highlighted the importance of inter-civilizational dialogue
He called it "the most cost-effective approach" for nations to coexist harmoniously in today's world."I have long held the view that the
diversity of civilizations is an enduring reality that must be acknowledged
If there were only a single civilization, regardless of which one, the world would still be a frightening place," Wang said.China: a staunch
promoter of civilizational dialogueChina, as the birthplace of Confucianism, has consistently advocated for cultural diversity and the
peaceful coexistence of different civilizations through mutual learning and respect.In March 2023, China introduced the Global Civilization
Initiative, which calls for respect for global civilizational diversity, the promotion of shared human values, the inheritance and
innovation of civilizations, and the strengthening of international cultural exchanges.In 2024, with China and other countries' efforts, the
78th United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution, designating June 10 as "International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations." The
initiative aims to raise global awareness of civilizational diversity and promote inter-civilizational dialogue.
