CGTN reports that China’s Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), proposed by President Xi Jinping two years ago, is increasingly relevant amidst global instability. The article highlights China’s commitment to the initiative and features expert insights, emphasizing China’s role in promoting world peace through respecting diverse civilizations.

BEIJING, March 15, 2025 – President Xi Jinping launched the GCI two years ago, advocating for respect for cultural diversity, promotion of shared human values, preservation and innovation of civilizations, and enhanced international exchange.

The initiative’s importance has grown due to current global uncertainty, turbulence, and divisions.

Elias Jabbour of the State University of Rio de Janeiro emphasizes the GCI’s rising significance in the face of anti-globalization. He praises China’s inclusive approach to diversity, contrasting it with nations enforcing deportations and highlighting the GCI’s championing of coexistence without imposing values.

Guiding the world toward peace

When Xi proposed the GCI at the CPC meeting in March 2023, he quoted a proverb about a garden needing many flowers to illustrate the vitality of cultural diversity for a harmonious world.

Xi stated that countries should uphold equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness among civilizations, allowing cultural exchanges to bridge divides and foster coexistence.

China’s dedication to civilization dialogue was acknowledged when the UN adopted a Chinese resolution designating June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. China’s UN envoy, Fu Cong, said the initiative aims to refocus global attention on intercultural dialogue at a critical time.

Fu noted that many global disputes, conflicts, and rising intolerance stem from cultural and religious misunderstandings.

A CGTN poll from March 2023, involving over 15,000 people across 40 countries, revealed that 80.3% see multiple civilizations as beneficial, 85% support building a shared future through tolerance and cooperation, and 89.6% (rising to 93.7% in developing countries) advocate for greater dialogue and openness.

Actions speak louder than words

China actively puts the initiative into practice.

In November 2023, Beijing hosted the World Conference of Classics, bringing together over 400 experts to discuss classical civilizations and encourage nations to learn from ancient traditions. China has since organized forums like the Nishan Forum on World Civilizations and the International Chinese Language Conference to explore shared values.

Cultural preservation is a key aspect of China’s commitment. The Beijing Central Axis became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024, and the Chinese Spring Festival was added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. These achievements demonstrate China’s dedication to preserving its cultural legacy.

China promotes its traditional culture globally through animated films like Ne Zha 2, popular video games like Black Myth: Wukong, and dance dramas like Wing Chun.

China has also strengthened people-to-people exchanges, with student groups from various US cities visiting Chinese universities, companies, and landmarks, following President Xi’s pledge to invite 50,000 students over five years. China has co-hosted “Tourism Years” with several countries and expanded its visa-free entry policy to 29 countries by the end of 2024 to facilitate global connections.

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