PARIS, April 15 (Xinhua) -- An international symposium on the concept of intercultural exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations was held Monday in the French capital.

The symposium, held at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), discussed the historical dimension of the cultural exchanges along the Silk Roads, as well as intercultural dialogue and mutual learning in the contemporary world.

"Facing risks and challenges in today's world, it is necessary to explore the classics to draw on the wisdom of civilizations, to both inherit and innovate so as to promote development and progress, to communicate and cooperate so as to enhance mutual understanding," Zhang Jianchun, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said in his opening speech.

He recalled that in March 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited UNESCO headquarters for the first time and delivered a speech on promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.

Ten years on, exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations is becoming increasingly popular, sharing Chinese wisdom and solutions for the common interests of all humankind, Zhang said. "China stays fully engaged in fruitful cooperation with all parties, including UNESCO, jointly promoting exchanges and dialogue among civilizations."

He called on all parties to actively enact the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, three initiatives put forward by Xi, in order to enhance consensus among civilizations and promote common development.

In his speech, UNESCO Deputy Director-General Qu Xing stressed that no real international community is possible without mutual understanding, knowledge and trust. He called on all parties to build trust.

Doudou Diene, former director of UNESCO's Division of Intercultural Dialogue, said the UN body has been actively promoting cultural exchanges and mutual learning with many programs, including the "Silk Roads, Roads of Dialogue" program launched in 1988, which has been a huge success.

Experts on the panels emphasized how the exchanges of ideas, religions, art, and values have consistently contributed to the enrichment of all civilizations, while also exploring the key challenges of intercultural exchanges and dialogue between civilizations in a globalized, urbanized and digital world.

Some 200 people attended the symposium jointly hosted by China's State Council Information Office, UNESCO and China's National Commission for UNESCO. Enditem

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