Seminar, magazine discuss civilizational exchanges

Mutual understanding and trust, interconnectivity, as well as mutual learning and complementation, are crucial for exchange among civilizations, said cultural expert Xiong Chengyu.

Yet, all of these serve the ultimate goal of mutual benefit and prosperity and fueling an innovative future for all, added the director of the Institute for Cultural Development and Communication at the Communication University of China.

Xiong was attending a seminar in Beijing on March 22 celebrating the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's speech at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on March 27, 2014, during which he highlighted diversity, equality and inclusiveness among civilizations, and pointed out the importance of exchange and mutual learning between civilizations as a key impetus for human progress, global peace and development.

Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at the Renmin University of China, quoted the African philosophy of Ubuntu, "I am because we are", which emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals and their responsibilities toward each other, and argued that a civilization cannot perfect itself without exchange and mutual learning with others in a truly equal way.

Liu Yuzhu, head of the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation, stressed in his keynote speech the importance of telling Chinese stories through cultural artifacts.

He proposed strengthening the study of Chinese civilization and creating innovative programs, such as TV shows, exhibitions and interactive digital projects, to promote traditional Chinese culture, while deepening international collaboration, enhancing talent cultivation and encouraging social participation.

A former director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, Liu said that the Asian Fund for Cultural Heritage Conservation attached to the foundation is actively taking part in international exchange and cooperation programs on Asian cultural heritage preservation.

The foundation is also deepening its links with other Asian countries, as well as the breadth and depth of international exchange, by funding cultural heritage conservation and joint archaeological projects, cooperating on launching exhibitions and supporting forums and personnel exchanges, he said.

During the seminar, a special issue of Civilization Magazine, 2014-2024 Civilizational Exchange and Mutual Learning Illuminating the Glory of Human Civilization, was released.

The special issue discusses the origins of Chinese philosophical thinking and the Chinese viewpoint on the history of civilization, the past and present of the Silk Road, historical and modern-day practice — and the achievements — of civilizational exchanges between China and other parts of the world, as well as the role the Belt and Road Initiative has played in building a community with a shared future for mankind.