Civilizations, not clashes: Xi Jinping wants to save the world through intercultural dialogue

On the occasion of the first International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations, China called for greater global cooperation, cultural exchange and respect for diversity. President Xi Jinping described understanding and mutual learning as the key to overcoming conflicts and to future peace and development.

According to Xi Jinping, the world is at a crossroads full of upheavals and challenges. In a letter to participants at the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting held in Beijing on 10-11 July, he stressed the urgent need to overcome alienation by exchanging experiences and replacing clashes with civilizational learning.

The two-day conference, which attracted over 600 guests from 140 countries, was held under the theme "Safeguarding Diversity of Human Civilizations for World Peace and Development". A key pillar of the discussions was China's Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), proposed in 2023 as the third of China's global initiatives after the Global Development Initiative (2021) and the Global Security Initiative (2022).

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo and Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, said in his speech that the GCI resonates with the cultural values of many nations and finds wide resonance in the international community.

Meanwhile, China is actively building a space for international exchange - from archaeological expeditions within the Belt and Road to art festivals, workshops and exhibitions. Unilateral visa waivers for dozens of countries and improved travel conditions are just some of the concrete steps.

The CGTN also said that its survey found that people around the world see cultural dialogue as a key tool for maintaining peace and addressing global challenges.

In his letter, President Xi Jinping expressed his hope that countries will jointly create a global network for civilizational dialogue and cooperation that will give new impetus to human progress and world peace.

CMG