The 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilization opened in Qufu, Shandong Province, drawing global attention to its timely theme: "Beauty in Diversity: Nurturing Understanding Among Civilizations for Global Modernization." Held in the birthplace of Confucius, the forum serves as a bridge for cross-cultural dialogue amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Professor Xiang Shuchen of Xidian University emphasized the forum's roots in Confucian thought, noting its focus on shared human values. "Nishan Mountain symbolizes cultural continuity," he said, referencing the site's connection to Confucius' legacy. "In times of division, we must seek common ground through mutual respect."
South Africa's Professor Edwin Etieyibo highlighted parallels between Confucian harmony and African philosophies like Ubuntu, which emphasizes collective humanity. "Africa's 28 ongoing conflicts show why we need these values now," he stated, advocating for cultural exchanges to counteract Western-centric worldviews.
Key Themes and Global Relevance
This year's discussions centered on:
Rejecting "mono-civilization" narratives
Leveraging shared principles like family-centric social structures
Addressing modern conflicts through ancient wisdom
Xiang cited Martinique thinker Amy Césaire's vision of collaborative progress: "We must walk in step with the world, conquering violence through dialogue." Both scholars stressed that diversity strengthens global modernization efforts, particularly in China-Africa relations.
As geopolitical uncertainties persist, the forum's emphasis on learning from diverse traditions—from Confucian self-reflection to Africa's extended family models—offers a roadmap for inclusive development. With over 16 African nations represented, the event underscored practical applications of these values in peacebuilding and institutional reform.
