Dialogue between civilizations, a new dawn for humanity

13 June 2025 marked a watershed moment in human history, the first International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations, officially proclaimed by the United Nations and initiated by the People's Republic of China. It is not just a celebration, but a call for humanity to reconnect with its ancient wisdom and common purpose in a rapidly changing global order.

The first celebration of this day was held at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, and was deeply reflective, steeped in ancestral memories and a vision for the future. Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng welcomed guests to the meeting, which brought together senior diplomats, African thinkers and civil society representatives, and affirmed that dialogue is the cure for division and conflict.

The event was based on the profound realization that civilizations, ancient, diverse and enduring, form the basis of humanity's shared identity. From the Yellow River basin to the Nile, from the Indus Valley to the Andes, our ancestors cultivated not only crops, but also ethical codes, systems of governance, and expressions of the divine through art, music, and oral traditions.

Today we inherit not only their ruins and relics, but also their desires. As the Chinese Foreign Minister noted Wang Yi in his video speech: "Lidská společnost je nedělitelnou komunitou se společnou budoucností... Civilizace se doplňují a inspirují navzájem. Je nejvyšší čas podporovat dialog mezi civilizacemi."

This statement reflects the ancient Chinese value of harmony in diversity, a worldview that is increasingly needed in the face of today's crises, from geopolitical conflict and climate change to technological disruption and economic inequality.

South Africa, with its unique struggle against apartheid and its commitment to peaceful transition, is living proof of the power of dialogue. The former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma připomněla hostům: "South Africa is a prime example of civilisations in dialogue. We chose to sit down, not fight; to talk, not shoot."

It linked the ethos of the Freedom Charter, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, with the global need for dialogue. The Charter's declaration that "There will be peace and friendship" resonates far beyond South Africa's borders and confirms a universal truth: dialogue builds where violence destroys.

Dr Dlamini-Zuma also highlighted China's historical relations with Africa, which long predate colonial contacts. Artefacts and chronicles from the Tang and Ming dynasties reflect this rich contact. "We now know, thanks to scholars like Professor Li Anshan, that Du Huan of the Tang Dynasty visited Africa in the 8th century. The porcelain found here is physical evidence of this contact."

In this way, Africa and China are not strangers. They are old friends renewing an old and noble conversation.

Busani Ngcaweni, Director-General of the National School of Government of South Africa, introduced a concept that is gaining importance - pluriversality. This is the recognition that no civilisation has a monopoly on truth or progress.

„Dialog potvrzuje naši víru v koexistenci civilizací... Pluriverzální svět odmítá představu jediné univerzální civilizace.“

His words are a direct refutation of Samuel Huntington's theory of the clash of civilizations, which predicted an inevitable conflict between different cultures. Instead, Ngcaweni and the assembled speakers offered hope for harmony, rooted in mutual respect, diplomacy and shared prosperity.

Varoval také před „měkkým násilím“, ekonomickými a strukturálními nerovnostmi, které dnes sužují globální řád. „Nepokoje v globální ekonomické správě pohánějí polykrisi... To je forma ekonomického násilí, která podkopává naše společné cíle.“

Dialogue between civilisations, he argued, is necessary to redesign institutions such as the G20, the United Nations and the African Union to serve solidarity, equality and sustainability, which is South Africa's theme as G20 chair.

In his speech, Wang Yi presented China's vision for the future of the dialogue of civilizations according to the Global Civilization Initiative presented by President Xi Jinping. This vision is based on three principles:

1. Equality between civilizations - rejection of the superiority of any culture or system.
2. Exchange between civilizations - learning from each other to address common global challenges.
3. Advancing civilisations - using tools such as artificial intelligence and technology not to divide but to enhance shared human knowledge and creativity.

„Lidstvo má pouze jednu Zemi a jedinou společnou budoucnost. Nechť naše dialogy hrají harmonickou symfonii... směrem k lepší budoucnosti,“ řekl Wang Yi.

China's readiness to support and even host platforms such as the UN Alliance of Civilizations Global Forum in 2028, and to fund mechanisms for inter-civilizational dialogue, are manifestations of global stewardship in an era of fragmentation and fear.

This dialogue is not just diplomatic, it is cosmic. As we learn more about our origins, the interconnectedness of all life, and the limitless mysteries of the universe, a new era of civilization is dawning. In this age of transition, the spirits of humanity's ancestors, those who built the pyramids, carved the mountains, charted the stars, and planted the seeds of language and law, are calling for unity through understanding.

As we celebrate the first International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations, let us remember that our greatness as a species lies not in dominance but in cooperation. We are the sum of our shared stories, struggles and aspirations.

Dialogue is not an option, it is a necessity. It is the way we move forward not only as nations, but as one humanity. Let us embrace it with the wisdom of our ancestors and the hope of our children.

Kirtan Bhana, TDS

Thediplomaticsociety/gnews.cz - GH