From September 26 to 28, the Ninth Nishan Forum on World Civilizations was held in Qufu, Shandong Province—the birthplace of Confucius. This annual event gathered scholars, cultural leaders, and thinkers from around the globe to discuss the theme: “Common values for mankind and a community with a shared future for mankind—strengthening exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations to jointly address global challenges.”
First established in September 2010, the Nishan Forum has evolved from a biennial gathering focused on academic and cultural topics to a prominent annual event. Its elevation in 2020 to a yearly forum underscores its growing significance as a platform for cultural exchange and public diplomacy.
The forum has become one of China’s key initiatives in promoting traditional Chinese culture internationally. It embodies the country’s commitment to fostering a global community with a shared future by encouraging dialogue and understanding among diverse civilizations.
This year’s discussions delved into how ancient wisdom can inform contemporary efforts to address global challenges. Confucius, who lived over 2,500 years ago, and his teachings on harmony, ethics, and social responsibility, remain relevant today. Participants explored how these timeless principles, alongside insights from other great thinkers like Aristotle, can contribute to building a better world.
The Ninth Nishan Forum highlighted the importance of learning from the past to navigate present challenges. By embracing common values and fostering mutual understanding, the forum aims to inspire collaborative solutions for a more harmonious global future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
