World Insights: Dialogue among civilizations gains momentum as global voices highlight shared values

As the world marked the first International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations on Thursday, calls for mutual respect, inclusive development and cultural exchange resonated from UN headquarters to tea ceremonies in Mauritius, porcelain showcases in Italy, and academic forums in Athens.

BEIJING, June 12 (Xinhua) -- As the world marked the first International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations on Thursday, calls for mutual respect, inclusive development and cultural exchange resonated from UN headquarters to tea ceremonies in Mauritius, porcelain showcases in Italy, and academic forums in Athens.

The day, designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2024 following a resolution proposed by China and co-sponsored by over 80 countries, comes amid rising global tensions and pressing challenges -- making civilizational dialogue not just timely, but imperative.

CHINA, UN LEAD GLOBAL CALL

In a video address to a commemorative event, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that promoting dialogue among civilizations is essential to responding to the profound transformations and immense challenges of today's world.

"The value of civilizations has become more salient than ever when facing profound transformations unseen in a century," Wang said, calling for advancing dialogue by safeguarding equity, facilitating exchanges and promoting shared progress.

Wang's message echoed China's broader diplomatic push through its Global Civilization Initiative, which advocates respect for civilizational diversity, mutual learning and people-to-people connectivity.

At UN headquarters in New York, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a passionate appeal for unity and mutual understanding.

"Dialogue is the path to peace," Guterres said. "On this first International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, we celebrate that conviction and the rich diversity of civilizations as a force to promote mutual understanding and global solidarity."

UN under-secretary-general and high representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Angel Moratinos reinforced this message, describing civilizational dialogue as the only viable method for solving global conflicts and divisions. He also credited China's initiative for catalyzing the international recognition of this new observance day.

"It is time to put an end to war and conflict. And for that, the only way… is through dialogue," Moratinos said.

CULTURAL BONDS

Far from diplomatic halls, artists and historians in Europe underscored how porcelain -- delicate yet enduring -- remains a powerful emblem of cultural exchange and a conduit for civilizational dialogue.

In the Italian ceramics capital of Faenza, a renewed cooperation agreement with Jingdezhen, China's "Porcelain Capital," was signed on June 1 to deepen exchanges, continue artist-in-residence programs and introduce new awards recognizing excellence in ceramic art.

"Porcelain is a vital witness to the civilizational dialogues between China and the West," said Monika Gass, vice president of the International Academy of Ceramics.

Gass said that trade along the ancient Silk Road brought Chinese porcelain to Europe as early as the 15th century, transforming it into a coveted luxury. "Europeans were eager to learn China's porcelain techniques … Western artists absorbed elements of Chinese artistic styles and cultural motifs," she said.

At the International Museum of Ceramics in Faenza, Chinese porcelain --including works from Jingdezhen -- is prominently featured. A square at Jingdezhen's Taoxichuan Art Center has been named "Faenza Square" to honor this enduring cultural connection.

Ceramic art also took center stage at a forum in Rome on June 3, where experts highlighted that the cross-cultural history was encapsulated in works like The Feast of the Gods, a Renaissance painting featuring blue-and-white Chinese porcelain.

"China and Italy have inspired creativity and innovation, grounded in mutual respect and curiosity," said Marta Leonori of Italy's Treccani Institute, who cited Marco Polo's journey as a lasting emblem of civilizational exchange.

"Marco Polo's story began centuries ago, but it reaches into the future -- and it is up to us to continue writing it," she added.

In Mauritius, nearly 200 guests gathered at the "Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon," where traditional Chinese tea was served alongside performances and ceramic exhibits.

Mauritian President Dharam Gokhool said tea symbolizes the rich cultural and historical ties between the two countries. "Arts, culture and our shared humanity speak a language of their own -- one that requires no translation, only open and generous hearts," he noted.

"Today's world -- shaped by divisions and conflict -- compels us to explore and appreciate those avenues that lead us to unity, peace and harmony," he added.

Similar sentiments were echoed in Tanzania. "China does not advocate a hierarchy of civilizations but emphasizes each culture has its unique value and inherent legitimacy," said Humphrey Moshi, director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, adding that cooperation in healthcare, agriculture and education has not only brought practical benefits but also strengthened mutual cultural appreciation.

In Myanmar, former diplomats and think tank leaders emphasized dialogue as a bridge -- not just between states, but between peoples. "Given the turbulence and challenges in today's world, civilization dialogue is an important way to enhance understanding, reduce conflicts and promote win-win results," said U Thant Kyaw, chairman of the Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies.

YOUTH, HERITAGE AT HEART

Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, president of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, stressed the importance of dialogue in tackling today's global uncertainties, from pandemics to climate change.

"No single civilization holds all the answers … It is essential for the whole of society to recognize the significance of civilizational dialogue and actively promote mutual learning. Our shared values and collective experience can guide us toward more effective and inclusive governance," he said.

He emphasized the crucial role of youth in this endeavor. "Civilizational dialogue begins with listening. It is nurtured by empathy and sustained through action," he said, urging young people to engage across cultures -- both in person and online.

In Nairobi, UN Resident Coordinator for Kenya Stephen Jackson echoed these views. "The problems that we have today can only be solved when nations and cultures come together. And that is dialogue."

WISDOM INSPIRES PEACEBUILDING

In Athens, a high-level cultural forum themed "Civilization and Peace: From the Parthenon to the Old Summer Palace" brought together scholars and officials to reflect on how ancient capitals can inspire peaceful cooperation today.

"Cultural heritage goes beyond monuments and includes ideas, values and ways of life," said UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone Ramirez. He called for "new models of cooperation" built on the wisdom of the past and the promise of the future.

From tea leaves to porcelain, from diplomatic appeals to artistic collaborations, the first International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations revealed one essential truth: only through listening, learning and respecting can humanity find its common path forward. ■