International Symposium on the Concept of Intercultural Exchanges and Mutual Learning Successfully Convenes at UNESCO Headquarters
April 18 2024 - 2:43PM
Business Wire
A crayon drawing depicting doves soaring around the Olympic
rings, connecting Beijing’s Temple of Heaven with the Eiffel Tower
in Paris under a clear blue sky, captivated visitors at UNESCO
headquarters. Inscribed with the word “world” in five languages,
this artwork by international youth embodies hopes for a future
enriched by intercultural dialogue. It serves as an opener to an
international symposium on the concept of intercultural exchanges
and mutual learning among civilizations, a collaborative effort
between China’s State Council Information Office, UNESCO, and the
China’s National Commission for UNESCO, held on April 15 in
Paris.
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International Symposium on the Concept of
Intercultural Exchanges and Mutual Learning (Photo: Business
Wire)
The symposium unfolded both inside and outside the venue with
vibrant displays and rigorous discussions. The Future World
International Youth Art Exhibition encircled the entrance, offering
a tapestry of cultural perceptions and exchanges as envisioned by
young artists from around the globe. Inside, experts and scholars
discussed the theme of “Intercultural Dialogue and Mutual Learning:
Shared Horizons”, and commended China’s significant contributions
to these global exchanges.
In his keynote speech, Zhang Jianchun, vice minister of the
Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist
Party of China, revisited Chinese President Xi Jinping’s seminal
2014 speech at UNESCO headquarters that has since spurred the
widespread embrace of intercultural exchanges and mutual learning.
This doctrine, Zhang noted, has shaped a decade of international
dialogue, offering “Chinese wisdom and solutions” for global
betterment. These collaborative efforts have cultivated a robust
“tree” of cultural exchange, bearing fruit in the form of enhanced
global understanding and cooperation.
Speaking at the event, UNESCO Deputy Director-General Qu Xing
quoted Édouard Glissant, the former editor of the UNESCO Courier,
as saying, “always with the same horizon, recall our common
humanity and promote the ‘Tout-monde’.” He added that today, as in
the past, the UNESCO Courier continues to be a forum for the voices
of intellectuals, experts, and artists from around the world.”
Euan Mackway-Jones, a UNESCO program specialist in the Section
for Intercultural Dialogue, told Xinhua that dialogue is
instrumental in mutual learning, fostering trust and cooperation
essential in addressing global challenges like climate change,
regional conflicts, and digital governance. Despite rising
protectionist rhetoric, he observed, cultural integration is
intensifying through digital interconnectivity, fostering
innovative and collaborative expressions across cultures.
During a panel discussion themed on “Silk Roads: A Movement of
Cultural Dialogue and Exchanges”, Susan Denyer, a senior world
heritage advisor of International Council on Monuments and Sites,
reflected on the harmonious relationship and cooperation
facilitated by the ancient Silk Road, drawing parallels with
contemporary global dynamics. Zhao Shengliang, chairman of the
Academic Committee of Dunhuang Academy, discussed Dunhuang’s role
as a crucial nexus on the Silk Road, where diverse civilizations
historically converged and thrived.
The symposium also showcased the “Silk Road Young Scholars Grant
Program”, with awardees presenting their insights on civilizational
exchanges via video, underscoring a commitment to fostering a
global dialogue among emerging scholars.
The day was rounded out by the Tracing the History of The UNESCO
Courier exhibition, alongside the Chinese Culture: Elegant
Gathering exhibition and reception. International guests
experienced an array of activities including viewing the “Future
World” international youth performance hosted collaboratively by
China Intercontinental Communication Center, the UNESCO Community
Association (UCA), Centre d’Echanges Culturels et Artistiques
franco-chinois, UNESCO Member associations and clubs: International
Association for Cultural Diplomacy.
They also explored exhibitions of calligraphy, painting,
paper-cutting, quilling, as well as creative products from Chinese
museums. Attendees also enjoyed a fusion of Eastern and Western
artistic performances by Chinese-French children’s choirs, French
singer, Chinese dancer, martial artist, and traditional musicians.
Attendees also savored a variety of regional Chinese delicacies,
such as Fujian and Shanxi cuisines and Jingmai Mountain Pu’er tea,
appreciating the rich depth and exceptional allure of Chinese
culture.
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Fiona Fan fanqianhua@cicc.org.cn