China hosted the Fourth Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations on Friday in Dunhuang, Gansu Province. Political leaders, international scholars, and experts gathered to explore the importance of civilizational dialogue in a time of conflict. Themed around the Silk Road Spirit, the conference emphasized cooperation and cultural exchange. Moreover, participants engaged in eight sessions covering museums, law, technology, and cultural innovation. Throughout the event, civilizational dialogue stood as the guiding concept during all discussions.
Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng opened the event by stressing the role of communication between cultures. Furthermore, he called on countries to pursue win-win partnerships through honest dialogue. He also urged nations to use cultural exchange to dismantle misunderstanding and promote mutual understanding. In addition, Han emphasized the need to strengthen friendships among peoples worldwide. Indeed, civilizational dialogue, he noted, can lead to a more peaceful and interconnected global society.
Leaders from other countries echoed Han’s call for harmony and collaboration. In particular, several highlighted China’s role in creating global stability through its developmental strategies. Additionally, many praised the Global Civilization Initiative for deepening understanding among different cultural groups. Others, meanwhile, noted how civilizational dialogue helps build trust in an unstable international environment. Consequently, delegates also called the initiative a cornerstone of a new cooperative global order.
The choice of Dunhuang for the event carried strong symbolic meaning. Historically, Dunhuang served as a key node on the ancient Silk Road. Therefore, the city’s legacy of cultural fusion matched the event’s goals of openness and inclusiveness. Participants said the city reflected China’s enduring commitment to cultural cooperation. Moreover, many referred to the Silk Road Spirit as a blueprint for future international dialogue. In this way, civilizational dialogue found historical context in Dunhuang’s long-standing global connectivity.
The dialogue drew nearly 400 participants from various regions and sectors. Attendees included former government officials, NGO heads, academics, and cultural leaders. Significantly, all participants expressed strong interest in maintaining ongoing cross-cultural collaboration. They described civilizational dialogue as a necessary response to today’s global crises. Furthermore, organizers from the Chinese Association for International Understanding called the turnout a sign of growing global interest.
By promoting the Silk Road Spirit, China continues to invest in international cooperation rooted in shared cultural values. Thus, the Dunhuang dialogue reinforced the belief that civilizational dialogue remains essential to global peace. Moving forward, participants committed to expanding this initiative across regions and generations.
