CHINA – As the 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilisations took place in Qufu City, eastern China, CGTN released a feature emphasising the need for dialogue and shared learning between cultures. The article highlights how these exchanges support peaceful coexistence, collective growth and the protection of cultural traditions in a changing world.
The opening words from the Analects of Confucius, “Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar?” became especially meaningful as leading thinkers and academics from many countries met in Qufu for the forum.
The event derives its name from Nishan Mountain, previously known as Ni Qiu Hill, which is located approximately 30 kilometres southeast of Qufu. This area is known as the birthplace of Confucius (551-479 BC), one of China’s most respected philosophers and teachers.
Since its inception in 2010, the forum has provided a platform where individuals can gain a deeper understanding of China and foster connections between cultures worldwide.
Held from Wednesday to Thursday, the 11th Nishan Forum saw more than 500 guests, including leaders, researchers and cultural experts. This year’s theme was “Beauty in Diversity: Nurturing Understanding Among Civilisations for Global Modernisation”, and focused on how ancient ideas can influence the present.
The importance of international understanding
At the event, speakers stressed that cultural interaction and learning between civilisations are key to social progress.
Jean Louis Robinson, Madagascar’s Ambassador to China, noted that with tensions and conflict rising in parts of the world, the forum’s role in promoting harmony and mutual growth is more important than ever.
China’s Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI), introduced in March 2023, received positive feedback from international guests. The GCI promotes respect for different cultures, support for common human values, the preservation and evolution of traditions, and the expansion of cultural ties.
Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Vice President of the Maldives, called the GCI a timely call to value and understand global diversity. He said it encourages the sharing of values, blends tradition and new ideas, and backs cultural development.
Several experts spoke about how Confucian beliefs can still offer guidance today. The core values of Confucianism include benevolence (“ren”), righteousness (“yi”), propriety (“li”), wisdom (“zhi”) and trustworthiness (“xin”).
Dr Salome Nyambura, who leads the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University, shared that stronger ties between China and Kenya have sparked greater interest in Confucian thought among Kenyans.
Riccardo Pozzo, Professor of History of Philosophy at Tor Vergata University in Rome, agreed, noting that Confucianism can help bridge gaps between the old and new. He quoted the Analects: “If a man keeps cherishing his old knowledge and continually acquires new knowledge, he may become a teacher to others.”
Nishan Forum Discusses Modernisation
Beyond building academic and cultural bridges, exchanges between civilisations can help generate solutions for global challenges and open new routes for progress.
Sun Chunlan, President of the International Confucian Association, said at the Nisha forum’s opening that China is ready to share the benefits of its development and offer new prospects to international partners through its strong home market.
China’s efforts to reduce poverty, along with global partnerships on poverty relief, show that progress should focus on people and benefit wider communities.
Wang Xuedian, Vice President of the International Confucian Association, said civilisations need to keep talking and learning from each other to find development paths that suit their own cultures.
He added that by combining modern approaches with traditional values, different societies can close gaps in development and work towards shared prosperity and understanding.
Hussain Mohamed Latheef also pointed out that people worldwide should protect their cultural heritage while staying open to fresh ideas, helping everyone adapt to change.
Roger T. Ames, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Hawaii and Humanities Chair Professor at Peking University, said the main challenge now is to move from individualism to a sense of shared global responsibility. He believes Confucian ideas of fairness, inclusion and harmony can guide people as they deal with today’s difficulties.
