Beijing – President Xi Jinping has called on world leaders to deepen dialogue and cooperation across cultures, urging unity in a time of global division. In a message to delegates attending the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Beijing, Xi emphasized the importance of mutual understanding to foster peace and advance human progress.
In his letter, Xi stated that China stands ready to work with other nations to build a worldwide platform for cultural exchange and collaboration. He highlighted the urgent need for nations to reject conflict and embrace shared values.
“The world is, in nature, a place of diverse civilizations,” Xi wrote. “History has shown us that exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations are essential for civilizations to flourish and human progress to be made.”
The Global Civilizations Dialogue, hosted by the Publicity and International Departments of the Communist Party of China (CPC), brought together over 600 participants from 140 countries and regions. The event, held under the theme “Safeguarding Diversity of Human Civilizations for World Peace and Development,” opened Thursday in the Chinese capital.
Xi called on delegates to reject division and seek harmony. “There is an ever-pressing need for civilizations to transcend estrangement through exchanges, and to transcend clashes through mutual learning,” he stated.
The summit also marked continued efforts to implement the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), which Xi introduced in 2023. The initiative promotes inclusivity, cultural respect, and collaboration on global challenges.
At the opening ceremony, senior CPC official Cai Qi reaffirmed the initiative’s goals. He noted that the GCI has received widespread international support and is rooted in China’s traditional cultural heritage, while aligning with values shared by many nations.
“The initiative upholds the principle of seeking common ground while reserving differences,” Cai said.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres sent a congratulatory message to the conference. Former presidents and prime ministers from countries including Indonesia, Japan, Namibia, and Belgium also addressed the summit, underscoring global interest in cultural diplomacy amid geopolitical shifts.
The gathering aims to strengthen dialogue as a bridge between nations, particularly in a time of rising political tension and economic uncertainty. China’s message was clear: global cooperation must extend beyond trade and security to include respect for cultural diversity and human connection.
The Global Civilizations Dialogue continues this week with panel discussions focused on cultural preservation, educational exchange, and peaceful coexistence.
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