((Photo: Monkey King character appears at North American anime convention / Image source: China News Service)

June 10, 2025 marks the world’s first International Day of Civilizations Dialogue. Proclaimed by the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in 2024, this day is aimed at enhancing awareness of the value of cultural diversity, promoting equal dialogue and mutual respect among civilizations, and boosting global unity and cooperation. The UN official website stated that dialogue between civilizations is the most effective way to eliminate prejudice and discrimination, enhance understanding and trust, strengthen national ties, and consolidate global unity.

Against this backdrop, diverse celebrations have unfolded globally to showcase the achievements of multicultural exchange and the value of coexistence.In Canada, the Monkey King character from China's acclaimed game "Black Myth: Wukong" appeared at a North American comic festival with guzheng flash mobs, delighting young audiences.In Romania, Chinese and local artists performed the traditional piece "A Moonlit Night on the Spring River", blending Chinese and Western music. In Paris,interactive workshops on Chinese characters attracted students to embark on a journey through millennia of cultural heritage.

These innovative cultural exchanges vividly bring to life the principle of "harmony in diversity and shared flourishing," resonating strongly on the global stage. Chinese culture has reemerged as an international phenomenon, now positioned as both a key contributor and driving force in worldwide civilizational dialogue.

In fact, the initiative for the UN to establish the “International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations” came from China.

In recent years, China has advanced civilization exchanges and multilateral cooperation, and played a constructive role in international affairs. Since proposing the Global Civilization Initiative in 2023, China has strengthened collaboration with others in culture, education, and people - to - people exchanges. It has worked to create institutionalized and regular dialogue platforms for different civilizations.China has put forward practical cooperation initiatives in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's "Dialogue of Civilizations" mechanism. Under multilateral frameworks such as BRICS, the Forum on China - Africa Cooperation, and the China - Arab States Cooperation Forum, China has promoted people - to - people exchanges and consensus - building. Guided by a vision of equality, inclusiveness, and mutual existence among civilizations, China has encouraged mutual respect and trust in a diverse world.

Moreover, China has always been committed to deeply integrating cultural exchanges with global development. While promoting mutual learning among civilizations, China continuously enhances the well-being of all countries through development cooperation, driving the balanced growth of the global economy.

Under the Belt and Road Initiative, China has widely cooperated with over 150 countries and regions. Over 3,000 projects have been launched in infrastructure, green energy, the digital economy, and personnel training, improving the lives of tens of millions and boosting local development.From agricultural cooperation zones in Africa to cultural and educational centers in Latin America, energy projects in the Middle East, and transport interconnection projects in Central Asia, an increasing number of developing countries now view China as a trustworthy partner.

Stavros Katzios, Director of the Greek Centre for Chinese Studies, said, "China's dialogue initiatives and cooperation mechanisms promote mutual learning among countries and sustainable civilization development on an equal footing." Former African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat noted, "Cooperation with China is constructive, sustainable, and respectful, with tangible outcomes."

Notably, as multiple policies are introduced, more channels are opened for Chinese culture to reach the world.

In terms of cultural products, from the domestic 3A game "Black Myth: Wukong" and the animated film "Ne Zha II: The Hero's Trial" to the dance dramas "Yongchun" and "A Tapestry of a Legendary Land", excellent traditional Chinese culture is being more widely accepted and spread through multimedia platforms and "cloud performances".In terms of cultural activities, Chinese food festivals, Hanfu parades, and Chinese intangible cultural heritage exhibitions have been held in many countries in Asia, Europe, and America, becoming important channels for local people to experience Chinese culture.In the field of education, Confucius Institutes and Chinese language promotion projects overseas continue to expand, building effective bridges for cultural identity.In terms of foreign policy, China is expanding its opening - up. Until now, China unilaterally expanded visa - free treatment to 47 countries, imposed zero tariffs on the least developed countries, and combined in - situ development aid with cultural support projects, offering practical backing for the Global South's sustainable growth.

These cross - cultural, multi - field efforts are creating more opportunities for global people to know each other and achieve peace and prosperity together. In the future, China is expected to deepen cooperation with countries in civilization, development, and governance. This will promote communication, trust, mutual benefits, and win - win outcomes on a broader scale. A more fair, inclusive, and sustainable global cooperation framework will emerge, injecting new vitality into the world's peace and prosperity.