Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino in DUNHUANG, China
China’s Vice President Mr Han Zheng on Thursday said respecting the cultural diversity of different civilisations is key in nurturing a common understanding among all people to achieve global peace and sustainable development.
In his remarks at the opening of the Fourth Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilisations, Mr Han called on leaders to put aside civilisational differences and start working for the common good of humanity.
“This exchange programme is an important driving force for human co-existence. We need to shelve differences and work for common values of humanity by embracing inclusiveness and breaking cultural barriers,” Mr Han said.
The Global Civilisation Initiative was proposed by China’s President Xi Jinping as a South-South cooperation mechanism, along with the global development and security initiatives.
Mr Han said no civilisation should consider itself bigger than the other.
“We need to respect diversity among different civilisations. No civilisation needs to be bigger than the other. We should respect each other and help others to succeed,” he said.
“We should engage in sincere dialogue for mutual cooperation at an intercivilisational level to reach common understanding among our people so that we can break new ground.”
Representatives from over 60 countries are attending the exchange programme.
Speaker of Botswana National Assembly Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse said the exchange programme is happening at a time multilateralism is facing global challenges like climate change and migration, among others.
The Global South, he said, looks up to China for the continued spirit of dialogue.
“Challenges affecting the global common good at the multilateral level include unilateralism and nationalistic sentiments,” Mr Keorapetse said.
“The Global South looks up to China for the continued spirit of dialogue, mutual learning and consensus because progress comes from cooperation. When civilisations engage, they all prosper.”
Egypt’s Senate Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson Mr Hazem Omar praised China for doing a lot to promote global peace and greater exchange initiatives in the world.
“China has done a lot to promote peace in the world. Cultural cooperation is not only a strategic necessity, but also building a fair international order,” he said.
“This cooperation is key in resolving common challenges like terrorism faced by humanity.”
Dunhuang has been a hub to connect eastern and western civilisations over the past millennium.
Online Reporter