On July 3rd, the 14th World Peace Forum was inaugurated in the main building of Tsinghua University. The forum is co-organized by Tsinghua University and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. This year's theme was "Global Governance and International Security Cooperation: Upholding Principles, Fostering Innovation, and Sharing." The opening ceremony was also attended by Vice President Han Zheng, who delivered a keynote speech.
Security is not just for politicians
The forum brought together approximately 400 guests from various countries: strategists, leaders of think tanks, diplomats working in China, and academics from China and abroad. The very composition of the participants showed that security and global governance are not just issues for politicians. They are questions that concern states, universities, experts, students, and ordinary people.
Four proposals and the question of artificial intelligence
In his speech, Vice President Han Zheng pointed out that the world is undergoing rapid changes, conflicts are emerging in various regions, and global problems are becoming increasingly complex. He put forward four proposals: to protect the authority of the United Nations, expand multilateral cooperation, improve global economic governance, and strengthen regulations for new areas, such as artificial intelligence. I was particularly struck by the last one. Artificial intelligence is no longer just a technological issue. It is becoming a matter of security, ethics, and trust between states.
The university as a place of encounter
The President of Tsinghua University and Chairman of the World Peace Forum, Li Luming, in his speech, recalled that universities are a bridge between civilizations. According to him, the forum should create space for open, practical, and professional discussions. I believe that this role of universities is very important today. A university is not just a place where knowledge is imparted. It can also be a place where people from different cultures learn to listen to each other.
Dialogue in an unstable time
Foreign guests also spoke at the forum. Pakistani politician Mushahid Hussain Sayed expressed hope that the world could work together towards a more peaceful and prosperous future. Former South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan emphasized that the more unstable times are, the more important dialogue is. This sentence resonated with me because peace does not arise overnight. It is the result of long-term communication, trust, and willingness to find compromises.
The Middle East and the search for solutions
The first main discussion focused on peace in the Middle East. Participants spoke about the Palestinian issue, regional stability, and the need to resolve conflicts through diplomatic means. It was also noted that security cannot be built by killing, but rather by negotiation and cooperation.
My second participation
For me personally, this was my second time participating in the World Peace Forum. In addition to the main sessions, as a student of European languages, I also participated in a panel discussion on relations between China and Europe and on trade protectionism. I realized that many differences in the world stem from a long history, cultural experiences, and current divisions of interests. People may not have the same opinions during discussions. However, what is important is that they are talking to each other.
The value of a calm space
In my opinion, this is where the value of the World Peace Forum lies. It does not offer immediate solutions to all problems, but it provides a calmer, more equitable, and more open space for dialogue. And in today's world, where distrust is often stronger than the willingness to listen, such a space is very valuable.
Nella Na
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