As the world observed the first United Nations International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations on June 10, students at Tsinghua University and Peking University in Beijing came together to celebrate diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding. American, Chinese, and Dutch students shared how engaging in sports, music, and podcasts has fostered meaningful connections across cultures.
At Tsinghua University, a spirited game of table tennis brought together students from different backgrounds. “Playing table tennis with friends from other countries has been an amazing way to break down barriers,” said Li Wei, a Chinese student. “The game transcends language and lets us connect on a personal level.”
Meanwhile, at Peking University, an international orchestra composed of students from various nations performed a fusion of Eastern and Western compositions. “Music is a universal language,” noted Emma Johnson, an American violinist. “When we play together, we create harmony not just in music but among ourselves.”
In addition to sports and music, students are leveraging modern platforms like podcasts to deepen mutual understanding. A collaborative China-U.S. podcast hosted by students discusses topics ranging from culture to technology. “Through our podcast, we aim to share perspectives and challenge misconceptions,” explained Lars van den Berg, a Dutch student co-host.
These initiatives highlight the power of people-to-people exchanges in building bridges between civilizations. By embracing common interests and open dialogue, students in Beijing are contributing to a more interconnected and empathetic global community.
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Sports, music, podcasts help students with cross-cultural dialogue
cgtn.com
