Experts, scholars gather in Beijing to foster dialogue among civilizations

The opening ceremony of the Inter-Civilizational Communication and Global Development Forum is held in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Inter-Civilizational Communication and Global Development Forum, hosted by the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, opened in Beijing on Tuesday.

The three-day event, themed "tradition of civilization and paths to modernization," has attracted around 150 politicians, entrepreneurs, think tank experts, scholars, cultural celebrities and diplomatic envoys from more than 30 countries to discuss issues concerning communication among civilizations and global development.

Three sub-forums on the civilizational communication between China and Europe, China-Central Asia modernization development and leadership building, and China-Arab civilization exchange and modernization development, as well as a round-table discussion, will be held during this forum.

Speaking at the forum, Zheng Bijian, founding chairman of the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, said that exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations is the fundamental way for all countries to follow a path of modernization based on their own characteristics.

There is no nobility or superiority in civilizations but only differences between different regions. Differences in civilizations should not be a source of conflict in the world, but the driving force behind the progress of human civilization, Zheng said.

Hailing China's role in promoting dialogue among civilizations, John Thornton, chair emeritus of the U.S. Brookings Institution, said that understanding is a necessary condition for countries to see each other's points of view, and in such a way as to advance any number of important agendas.

Cultural and social diversity of different civilizations should be regarded as a form of wealth, said Jose Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain, via video.

Based on this, a new world order that is just, united and composed of different countries and societies will be built, Centella added.

Centella also lauded the role of the Belt and Road Initiative in promoting exchanges and creating more development opportunities.

Yves Leterme, former prime minister of Belgium, said in a video that China and the European Union represent a convergence of civilizations, embracing the ideals of multipolarity and economic globalization, and both affirming their commitment to multilateral governments.

Leterme also hailed China's Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and that in the field of green development as excellent contributions to the global agenda.

Guests attend the opening ceremony of the Inter-Civilizational Communication and Global Development Forum in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)