“Is it not a joy to have friends coming from afar?” This famous saying from Confucius became a vivid reality as experts and scholars from around the world gathered at the 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations in Qufu City, east China’s Shandong Province.
Held from Wednesday to Thursday, the forum attracted over 500 global leaders, scholars, and cultural figures to explore the role of ancient wisdom in shaping the modern world. With the theme “Beauty in Diversity: Nurturing Understanding Among Civilizations for Global Modernization“, the forum fostered dialogue on how different cultures can contribute to a shared future.
Bridging Civilizations through Dialogue
Participants at the forum emphasized the crucial role of cultural exchange and mutual learning in advancing human progress. Madagascar’s Ambassador to China, Jean Louis Robinson, highlighted the importance of harmonious coexistence among diverse cultures, especially in a world facing renewed conflicts.
The Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), proposed by China in March 2023, received praise from foreign attendees. The GCI calls for respect for global civilizational diversity, promotion of shared human values, and strengthening international cultural exchanges.
Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Vice President of the Republic of Maldives, described the GCI as a timely reminder of the need to respect and understand diverse cultures worldwide. “The initiative promotes shared human values, aims to balance tradition with innovation, and supports cultural exchange and development,” Latheef said.
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges
Many experts at the forum spoke highly of the influence of Confucianism, known for its key concepts of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness.
Dr. Salome Nyambura, Director of the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University in Kenya, noted that close people-to-people exchanges between China and Kenya have sparked interest in Confucianism among Kenyans.
Echoing this sentiment, Riccardo Pozzo, a professor of History of Philosophy at Tor Vergata University of Rome, said that Confucianism offers valuable solutions to bridge traditional and modern issues. He cited the Analects: “If a person keeps cherishing their old knowledge while continually acquiring new, they may become a teacher to others.”
Global Modernization Rooted in Culture
The forum highlighted that exchanges among civilizations can generate insights to tackle global challenges and open diverse pathways for modernization.
Sun Chunlan, President of the International Confucian Association, stated that China is committed to offering new opportunities to the world through its unique path to modernization. She emphasized that China’s vast domestic market provides new momentum for global partners.
Wang Xuedian, Vice President of the International Confucian Association, expressed that civilizations must engage in dialogue to explore development paths aligned with their cultural contexts. By promoting traditional values and embracing advanced ideas, different civilizations can bridge developmental gaps and achieve common prosperity.
“The urgent task is to transform individualism into a conscious awareness of a united global community,” said Roger T. Ames, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Hawaii and Humanities Chair Professor at Peking University. He added that the Confucian values of fairness, inclusiveness, and harmony offer valuable guidance for addressing the pressing challenges of the modern world.
