UNESCO Official Emphasizes the Importance of Cultural Confidence and Mutual Understanding
Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO’s Beijing Office, has highlighted the crucial role of cultural confidence and mutual understanding in fostering global development and peace. Speaking recently in China, Khan reflected on the words of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who stated that “the Chinese nation will not be able to rejuvenate without a very strong cultural confidence and a rich and prosperous culture.”
“What President Xi has said is really very relevant to today’s time, not only in China, but in the world,” Khan noted. “To build our confidence in ourselves, our economies, and the way we live, we need to have a very deep understanding of humanity’s journey and our evolution.”
Khan emphasized that understanding one’s own culture and history is essential for individuals and nations alike. “Every Chinese needs to understand the history of this great nation, and for other nations too, every one of us needs to understand our journey and our evolution,” he said. “Our confidence builds up once we have a deeper understanding of our journey over time, and that constitutes our culture.”
China’s Contributions to Global Development
Khan praised China’s active partnership with UNESCO in education, science, and culture. He highlighted the country’s support in various initiatives, such as the World Heritage Program and the upcoming Fifth World Conference on Biosphere Reserves scheduled in China for 2025.
“China has been a wonderful partner with very strong support from the Chinese government in all areas of UNESCO,” he said. “In education, China is a very strong supporter of UNESCO’s efforts. Programs like the Great Wall Fellowship bring many students from developing countries to China.”
He also mentioned China’s contributions in science and technology, noting the collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the establishment of UNESCO centers that aid other nations in development. “The government of China is working closely with UNESCO to provide new opportunities for developing countries, helping them achieve the next level of development,” Khan added.
Mutual Learning Between Civilizations
Khan stressed the importance of cultural exchanges between China and other countries, sharing anecdotes from his visits to historical sites like Hangzhou’s Grand Canal and the ancient ruins of Liangzhu. He drew parallels between China’s ancient civilizations and those of other regions, such as the Indus Valley Civilization in South Asia.
“Both civilizations are about water, urban amenities, learning, and understanding,” he said. “It’s very important for scholars to exchange knowledge between these ancient cultures.”
Highlighting forums like the Eco Forum Global in Guiyang, Khan pointed out the significance of platforms that promote eco-civilization and shared environmental goals. He also mentioned successful conservation efforts, such as the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, and how they can serve as models for other countries conserving their own endangered species.
“As President Xi has said, spring cannot come with a single flower; you need to have hundreds of flowers blooming before the spring is realized,” Khan remarked. “That’s why mutual understanding between cultures is very critical.”
He concluded by emphasizing the shared values of inclusivity and sustainable development: “If we have these mutual exchanges, then we would have a better world—a world which understands different perspectives, gives space for everyone to grow, and where we can tolerate our differences and focus on peace and sustainable development.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
