On June 8, the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland, together with the State Council Information Office and the International Confucian Association successfully co-hosted a themed event on the UN International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations in Geneva. H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister of China, delivered a video address. China's Permanent Representative to Geneva Ambassador Jia Guide, WMO Secretary-General Saulo, UNOG Director-General Valovaya, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNITAR Executive Director Gyles-McDonnough, WIPO Assistant Director-General Kwakwa, and other Chinese and foreign guests attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. Permanent Representatives and senior diplomats from more than 50 countries and Representatives from International Organizations, totaling more than 200 guests, attended the event. Former Deputy Speaker of the Malaysian Parliament H.E. Ong Tee Keat, former Vice President of Seychelles H.E. Vincent Meriton, and other dignitaries, think tank scholars, and representatives from various sectors engaged in in-depth discussions on themes including “heritage and innovation” and “dialogue and mutual understanding”.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized in his speech that the diversity of civilizations is a defining feature of our world. The International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations is established in keeping with the Global Civilization Initiative. We should uphold mutual respect, put people first, carry forward heritage while embracing innovation, and promote exchanges and mutual learning, thus illuminating the path ahead with the light of civilization and rallying the strength to forge ahead through dialogue and mutual learning.
Participants thanked China for organizing the event, and expressed that the respect for cultural diversity is the foundation for responding to global challenges. Participants also emphasized that the vitality of civilizations lies in inheritance and innovation, called for leveraging the Geneva platform’s advantages to translate common unserstandings among civilizations into effective governance outcomes, so as to jointly create a better future for humanity.
The event featured exhibitions showcasing the harmonious coexistence of world civilizations and the unique charm of Chinese culture, as well as a cultural performance entitled “Beyond Borders: Weaving Culture through Artistic Expressions", extending the bonds of dialogue through the medium of art.
