Civilizations Enriched by Exchange: Promoting Global Understanding and Harmony
The importance of civilization exchange cannot be overstated. As Chinese President Xi Jinping once said, "Civilizations are enriched by exchange and impoverished by isolation." This sentiment was echoed by experts and scholars from around the world at the recent "International Symposium on Civilization Exchange and Mutual Learning" held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. The symposium, co-hosted by the Chinese government and UNESCO, brought together over 200 guests from more than 40 countries to discuss the significance of civilization exchange in promoting global understanding, peace, and development.

23 April 2025
The exchange of ideas, cultures, and technologies between civilizations has been a driving force behind human progress throughout history. The ancient Silk Road, which connected China with the rest of the world, is a testament to the power of civilization exchange. The road facilitated not only the exchange of goods but also the transmission of ideas, cultures, and technologies, leading to the enrichment of civilizations along the way. This exchange has continued to the present day, with China's cultural exchange with foreign countries having a long history, from the ancient Silk Road to modern times, where Chinese culture has been shaped by various foreign influences.
President Xi Jinping has consistently emphasized the importance of promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges as a crucial aspect of China's foreign policy. He has stressed that civilizational exchange and mutual learning are essential for the progress of human civilization and world peace. To push forward cultural exchange and mutual learning, it is essential to uphold the right attitude and principles, including recognizing the diversity of human civilizations, treating all civilizations as equal, and promoting inclusiveness and mutual respect.

The President has also highlighted the importance of promoting the Chinese language and culture worldwide, establishing numerous Confucius Institutes around the world to provide opportunities for people to learn about Chinese language and culture. Furthermore, he has stressed the need to promote a sense of community and shared human values, encompassing the principles of peace, development, equity, justice, democracy, and freedom. These values are essential for building a more harmonious and prosperous world and should be promoted through cultural exchange and mutual learning.
As we move forward in this era of interconnectedness, it has become increasingly evident that the fate of humanity is inextricably linked. The construction of a community with a shared future for humanity is not just a moral imperative, but a practical necessity. Civilization exchange and mutual learning play a vital role in promoting understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among nations. By recognizing the diversity of human experience and the richness of different cultural traditions, we can work towards creating a more harmonious and equitable world.

In practical terms, this means investing in educational and cultural exchange programs, promoting people-to-people diplomacy, and fostering greater understanding and cooperation between nations. It also requires us to address the global challenges that we face, from climate change and economic inequality to social injustice and cultural destruction. By working together and learning from each other, we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful world, where different civilizations can flourish and coexist in harmony.
Ultimately, the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity is a moral and philosophical imperative that requires us to reexamine our values and our place in the world. It challenges us to think beyond our narrow national and cultural interests, to recognize our common humanity, and to work towards creating a more just and peaceful world. By promoting civilization exchange and mutual learning, we can take a crucial step towards building a brighter future for all humanity, and creating a world where different civilizations can thrive and coexist in harmony. As President Xi said, "Civilizations come in different colors, but they can coexist in harmony." By recognizing the diversity and richness of human civilizations, we can foster greater understanding, respect, and cooperation, and create a brighter future for all.
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