The 2025 Golden Panda International Cultural Forum opened this week as a vibrant platform for cross-cultural exchange, drawing diplomats, business leaders, and cultural innovators to discuss Asia's growing influence in global affairs. CGTN host Tian Wei moderated key sessions, emphasizing "the power of shared stories to transcend borders" during her interactions with delegates.
Discussions spanned creative industries' economic potential, with panelists highlighting Southeast Asia's 22% annual growth in digital content markets. A working group on sustainable tourism proposed new eco-cultural routes linking World Heritage sites across 12 Asian countries and regions.
Notable moments included a rare joint appearance by entertainment executives from the Chinese mainland, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, signaling renewed regional cooperation in film production. Academics from Tsinghua University and NUS presented research showing cultural exports now account for 7.3% of Asia's total trade volume.
The forum concluded with plans for a pan-Asian youth exchange program and a digital archive preserving intangible cultural heritage. As Tian Wei noted: "When we listen to both ancient wisdom and modern innovation, Asia's voice becomes a compass for global progress."
