Beijing – China’s capital, Beijing, hosted a global civilization dialogue ministerial conference, which has become a hub for global unification and cultural understanding.
With the two-day agenda concluded on Friday, the event reflects China’s growing role as a leader in defending cultural diversity, mutual respect among civilizations, and sharing global development.
Jointly combining the international relations departments of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the CPC Central Committee, the conference attracted over 600 delegations from around 140 countries and regions under the theme of “Protecting the diversity of human civilization for world peace and development.”
On Thursday, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to a meeting highlighting the inseparable nature of civilization and the progress of humanity is inseparable from civilization exchange and mutual learning.
According to CGTN, XI expressed hope that participants will have detailed interactions, build consensus and contribute wisdom and strength to promote mutual understanding and friendship among people of all countries and the harmonious coexistence of various civilizations.
This Ministerial Conference is part of a broader vision introduced by President XI in March 2023 and is known as the Global Civilization Initiative. The initiative advocates respecting the diversity of civilization, sharing human values, sharing civilization’s continuity and innovation, and strengthening human exchange across borders.
Strong voices against cultural superiority and division
The Global Civilization Initiative firmly rejects outdated schism theories, such as “civilization conflicts.” This is a controversial concept that prevailed in the 1990s, suggesting that future global conflicts stem from differences in culture and religion rather than political or economic interests. Similarly, the concept of “the superiority of a particular civilization” is used to promote intercultural hierarchies and often justify discrimination, interference, or conflict.
China is strongly opposed to such ideology, believing instead that all civilizations are equal and uniquely contribute to human progress. Through dialogue, mutual learning, and inclusion, China emphasizes that cultural exchange should transcend alienation, learning should replace conflict, and that coexistence should rise beyond the concept of superiority.
Global response and UN perception
In just two years, the international community has been eager to welcome global civilization initiatives. This growing support designated June 10 as the international day of dialogue between civilizations when the 78th session of the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the solution in June 2024. This groundbreaking decision highlights a global recognition of the need for cross-cultural understanding in an increasingly interconnected but divided world.
A shared vision of human progress
The Global Civilization Initiative is one of the three major global initiatives proposed by President XI, in addition to the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative. Together, they provide a comprehensive vision for China to address the most pressing challenges of our time – from peace and security to inclusive economic growth.
Leading by the principle of building a shared future for humanity, China advocates an equal, orderly multipolar world and an inclusive, just and mutually beneficial globalization process. In the face of unilateral rise and rising protectionism, these initiatives highlight China’s commitment to openness, multilateralism and global cooperation.
China sends a powerful message as the world gathers in Beijing for a dialogue between world civilizations. Diversity is not the source of conflict, but the foundation of peace. Through respectful dialogue and mutual understanding, civilization can rise together.