The 7th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo, held in the heart of the Gobi Desert, brought together experts from South Asia, Central Asia, and beyond to discuss the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and shared development goals. Hosted by the Gansu Provincial People’s Government of China, the three-day event embraced the theme “Implementing the Global Civilization Initiative and Deepening Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations.”
Dunhuang, a city steeped in ancient history along the Silk Road, served as the ideal backdrop for the expo. Its rich cultural heritage and significance as a hub connecting Central and South Asian nations attracted tourists and scholars alike, eager to engage in meaningful dialogue.
During the event, panel discussions delved into strategies for achieving development objectives within the context of the BRI and the historical Silk Road trade routes. One of the most engaging panels, titled “Enhancing Strategic Mutual Trust and Promoting Regional Development,” featured opening remarks from Sha Yongzhong, vice president of Lanzhou University. Sha emphasized the forum’s importance for fostering collaboration between local and international experts.
Another session, “The Belt and Road Initiative Embarks on a New Decade,” highlighted the role of literary communication in promoting mutual learning among civilizations. Experts from Central Asia and China presented analyses and engaged in fruitful discussions to strengthen cultural ties.
Notably, Lola Sultanova, an associate professor at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, stressed the importance of teaching the Chinese language to facilitate smooth communication within the BRI framework. Similarly, Mushtak Ahmad Galib from Bangladesh, an associate professor at Wuhan University of Technology, underscored the value of people-to-people ties between China and South Asian nations. Galib argued that such interactions could drive high-quality development through Chinese-style modernization.
Reference(s):
Insights from the 7th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo
cgtn.com
