11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations kicks off in Confucius' birthplace

　　The 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations kicks off in Qufu, east China's Shandong Province, on Wednesday. The forum, which lasts for two days, brings together global scholars to explore the interplay between cultural diversity and modernization.

　　This year's forum, themed "Beauty in Diversity: Nurturing Understanding Among Civilizations for Global Modernization," emphasizes China's vision of preserving the diversity of human civilizations while promoting peaceful global development.

　　The forum covers a variety of sub-topics, including the origins and future of civilization, the contemporary relevance of Confucian culture, global modernization, family and social development and the role of AI in shaping humanity's future.

　　Over 500 guests attend the forum, including around 300 international participants from more than 70 countries. The attendees include foreign dignitaries, representatives from international organizations, ambassadors to China and global experts.

　　Senior Chinese officials and international guests – Hussain Mohamed Latheef, vice president of the Republic of Maldives, Chhem Kieth Rethy, senior minister, Royal Government of Cambodia, and Jean Louis Robinson Richard, Madagascar's ambassador to China – delivered speeches at the opening ceremony of the forum.

　　In his opening speech, Latheef noted that this year's theme deeply resonated with the attendees. He emphasized that, amid the wave of global modernization, it is essential to draw strength from differences, recognize the beauty of diverse civilizations, and encourage mutual understanding among cultures.

　　Kieth Rethy emphasized that the forum is both timely and significant. He pointed out that modernization should not mean forgetting about history. Instead, the ability to modernize responsibly depends on remembering one's origins – understanding who we are, where we come from, and the values that will guide the future.

　　Robinson Richard stated that by hosting events like the Nishan Forum, China has created an important platform for deep dialogue among individuals from diverse nationalities, backgrounds, and cultures. He added that this initiative has made an immeasurable contribution to global peace, fostering the harmonious coexistence and shared prosperity of different cultures and civilizations.

　　Nishan Forum is named after Nishan Mountain, about 30 kilometers southeast of Qufu. The forum, rooted in the birthplace of the great Chinese philosopher and educator, Confucius, has become a crucial platform for understanding China, fostering cultural exchanges, and building consensus on global civilization.