How can cultural innovation foster global unity while preserving identity? This question anchored a high-level roundtable discussion titled Cultural Innovation and Common Values of Humanity, organized by China Media Group (CMG), bringing together policymakers, artists, and thought leaders to explore civilization-building through creativity.
Moderator Wang Guan opened with a reflection on storytelling’s evolution: “From ancient oral traditions to AI-generated content, narratives have always shaped societies. Today, we must ask how cultural industries can transcend mere entertainment to become bridges of mutual understanding.”
Publishing executive Li Wei highlighted shifting priorities: “Books no longer just transmit information—they curate shared emotional experiences. A novel written in Beijing resonates in Buenos Aires when it taps into universal themes of family or perseverance.”
The dialogue turned to China’s Global Civilization Initiative, with scholar Zhang Ming noting: “By promoting respect for civilizational diversity alongside cooperation, this framework helps nations balance innovation with heritage preservation. Our archaeological collaborations in Southeast Asia, for instance, blend technology with local knowledge systems.”
Film director Aisha Kapoor emphasized cinema’s role: “When our VR documentary on Silk Road marketplaces premiered in 15 countries, viewers didn’t just watch history—they felt the same entrepreneurial spirit that connects ancient traders to modern startups.”
As the three-hour discussion concluded, participants agreed that cultural innovation thrives when it honors humanity’s “golden threads”—values like compassion and curiosity that appear uniquely in every civilization yet bind them together.
