Beijing Culture Forum spotlights civilizational diversity, mutual learning

Hassan Ragab, director of the Confucius Institute at the Suez Canal University in Egypt, delivers a keynote speech at the parallel forum "Exchanges and Mutual Learning: Respecting the Diversity of Civilizations" during the 2025 Beijing Culture Forum in Beijing, Sept. 23, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the 2025 Beijing Culture Forum]

Hassan Ragab, director of the Confucius Institute at the Suez Canal University in Egypt, noted that human history is essentially a history of exchanges and mutual learning among diverse civilizations, and that such diversity is a vital source of progress for humanity. He urged countries around the world to deepen dialogue among civilizations on the basis of mutual respect, join hands to tackle common challenges, and expand exchanges in education, science, technology and culture.

Yury Tavrovskiy, deputy chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Society, delivers a keynote speech at the parallel forum "Exchanges and Mutual Learning: Respecting the Diversity of Civilizations" during the 2025 Beijing Culture Forum in Beijing, Sept. 23, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the 2025 Beijing Culture Forum]

Yury Tavrovskiy, deputy chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Society, said that the ancient Chinese concept of "he er bu tong" ("harmony without uniformity") offers a powerful formula for the future of world civilization.

He said much work remains to remove communication barriers between people and called for greater support for cultural exchanges. "It is worth encouraging the activities of musical, theatrical and other groups, as well as individual creators of spiritual values," he said. He suggested easing visa procedures, offering transport and hotel discounts, and providing accessible venues for cultural programs.

Tavrovskiy cited China as an example, praising its significant investment and organizational efforts in cultural exchange. He said the launch of the Global Civilization Initiative had further established China as a "trendsetter" internationally. The initiative follows naturally from China's vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, he noted.

Li Yafang, associate editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group and president of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, presides over the parallel forum "Exchanges and Mutual Learning: Respecting the Diversity of Civilizations" during the 2025 Beijing Culture Forum in Beijing, Sept. 23, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the 2025 Beijing Culture Forum]

Li Yafang, associate editor-in-chief of CICG and president of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, said the parallel forum helped build consensus on inclusivity, coexistence and mutual learning among civilizations. The forum promoted practical cooperation among nations in respecting civilizational diversity, according to Li.

She said the participants' insights demonstrated considerable intellectual depth and practical value. Li noted that these insights offer useful inspiration for implementing the Global Civilization Initiative. They will help forge enhanced people-to-people and cultural exchanges, as well as deeper mutual understanding among nations.

The forum brought together over 100 participants from 23 countries and regions, including political figures, representatives of institutions based in China, experts, scholars, public figures and youth representatives.