The 2025 Golden Panda International Culture Forum launched in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, on Saturday, gathering global thought leaders to explore cultural collaboration under the theme 'Harmony in Diversity, A Future in Unity.' The event highlights China's role as a bridge for cross-cultural dialogue amid rising geopolitical complexities.
Over 500 delegates from 40 countries and regions, including artists, policymakers, and business leaders, are participating in panel discussions on heritage preservation, digital innovation in cultural industries, and sustainable tourism. A keynote address by Sichuan Province officials emphasized 'shared human values transcending borders' while showcasing Chengdu's evolution as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Notably, the forum introduced a Digital Silk Road initiative to fund tech-driven cultural preservation projects across Asia. Analysts suggest this could create new opportunities for overseas investors in China's burgeoning creative economy, valued at $1.2 trillion in 2024.
For the Asian diaspora, the forum's 'Roots & Routes' exhibition features interactive displays of intangible cultural heritage from ASEAN countries and the Chinese mainland. Concurrently, travel industry leaders unveiled a regional tourism pact to simplify visa procedures for cultural workers.
The forum concludes Tuesday with the Chengdu Declaration, expected to outline joint strategies for combating cultural homogenization. 'This isn’t just about art—it’s about building the soft infrastructure for lasting peace,' remarked Malaysian delegate Dr. Aminah Tan during a breakaway session.
