Routes to understanding, cooperation discussed

Exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations are key to improving understanding and fostering cooperation among countries, especially when the world is undergoing profound changes, said Wang Gang, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, at a parallel forum of the 2023 Beijing Culture Forum on Sept 15.

The parallel forum was titled Civilizations: Mutual Respect and Cooperation. It attracted more than 200 guests from around the world to share their views on how to promote the common development of different civilizations through exchanges and mutual learning.

"All civilizations are a representative of human civilization. Equality and inclusivity are intrinsic requisites for their harmonious coexistence," said Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group.

He added that every civilization has its distinct advantages but all face the challenge of modernization, making it imperative to strengthen mutual learning and exchanges.

Cultural institutions from home and abroad should take on the responsibility and make joint efforts to explore the value and significance of different civilizations and utilize advanced technologies to promote the development of traditional culture in modern times, Du said.

"We advocate global translation organizations enhancing cooperation. Meanwhile, we encourage global think tanks to seek common values of different civilizations and build collaborative research platforms to facilitate cross-civilization communication," he said.

Xu Bu, vice-chairman of the China National Association for International Studies, emphasized the significance of China's Global Civilization Initiative during his speech.

The initiative advocates unity rather than division, cooperation rather than confrontation, and inclusiveness rather than exclusivity, providing a Chinese solution to common challenges facing humanity, he said.

"To implement the initiative, we must have an open and inclusive attitude while protecting historical heritage and promoting traditional culture with great confidence," Xu added.

Hussam Al Husseini, Jordan's ambassador to China, said the history of Chinese and Arab civilizations shows that friendly relations are based on mutual respect, exchanges and sharing.

The Silk Road is one of the important channels for civilization exchanges, which not only reveals the common values among civilizations, but paves the way for the steady development of Arab-China relations, he said.

During the forum, the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies revealed two multilingual book series: Keywords to Understand China: Cultural Exchanges and Keywords to Understand China: Traditional Culture.

The books present Chinese civilizations, values and culture with the aim of boosting people-to-people exchanges between China and foreign countries, said Yu Yunquan, head of the academy.

The forum also included three roundtable discussions, with a focus on art, movies and the diversity of civilizations.

In addition, a book exhibition and a short video festival were held during the forum, which showcased Beijing's local culture and urban landscapes.