A visitor views Han-Dynasty bamboo slips unearthed from the Xuanquanzhi site in Dunhuang, which offer first-hand insights into the ancient Silk Road, at the National Art Museum of China on June 10. Photo: Chen Mirong/CSST

The Fourth Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations was held in Dunhuang, northwest China’s Gansu Province, on May 30–31.

Themed “Carrying Forward the Silk Road Spirit to Gather Momentum for the Implementation of the Global Civilization Initiative,” the event drew some 400 participants, including political leaders, scholars, experts, and heads of international and non-governmental organizations from various countries, along with representatives from relevant Chinese government departments.

Topics such as the diversity of civilizations, ecological actions to carry forward the shared values of humanity, and the reconstruction of civilization in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) sparked lively debate among scholars. Through dialogue, participants underscored the importance of inter-civilizational exchanges and dialogue in a world increasingly marked by tension and division.

Growing importance of exchanges

Attendees shared the view that exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations are important drivers for the advancement of human civilization and the peaceful development of the world—particularly in the contemporary era in which the futures and destinies of all countries are closely intertwined.

Several political leaders, including Dithapelo Keorapetse, speaker of the National Assembly of Bostwana, Sommad Pholsena, vice president of the National Assembly of Laos, and Bidhya Devi Bhandari, former president of Nepal, remarked that global governance faces severe changes as the world is beset by a range of conflicts. Against this backdrop, China has emerged as a source of stability and predictability through its own development trajectory. By upholding the Silk Road spirit and promoting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has provided robust support for economic and social development in numerous developing countries.

They agreed that China’s three major global initiatives—the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI)—play a crucial role in enhancing understanding and exchanges among civilizations. These initiatives, they noted, help lay the groundwork for a new international order grounded in peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Hu Changsheng, secretary of the Provincial CPC Committee of Gansu, recalled that over two millennia ago, China’s forebears established the ancient Silk Road out of a simple desire for friendly exchange. In the new era, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping proposed the BRI, guided by the Silk Road spirit of “peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit.” This spirit continues to underpin efforts to strengthen international collaboration and promote dialogue among civilizations. In 2023, General Secretary Xi Jinping further proposed the GCI, offering a compelling vision of equal exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations worldwide, united in the building of a human community with a shared future.

Scholars at the dialogue observed that the BRI is not merely a framework for economic cooperation—it is also a conduit for inter-civilizational exchanges. Drawing on the historical symbolism of the ancient Silk Road, it fosters communities of shared interests, responsibilities, and destinies, underpinned by mutual political trust, economic integration, and cultural inclusiveness. In doing so, it charts a new course for equal dialogue, mutual learning, and inclusion among the world’s civilizations.

Unique Chinese wisdom

Chinese modernization, as a new model of human advancement, draws on the achievements of other cultures while offering distinctive insights of its own. Kiprotich Wesly Cheruiyot, head of the Technological Innovation Center at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Kenya, underscored the necessity to draw on China’s rich experience in ecological conservation. He suggested integrating this knowledge with the unique agricultural conditions of Kenya and the East African Plateau to develop a sustainable path toward both environmental restoration and economic development.

Mirsadiq Is’hakov, a professor at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies in Uzbekistan, pointed out that in advancing the GCI, China has consistently championed multilateralism alongside other nations, which is crucial for building a new international order of harmonious coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Digital heritage preservation

Digital technologies are transforming the ways cultural heritage is preserved and revitalized. According to Cui Suxiang, deputy mayor of Jingdezhen in east China’s Jiangxi Province, innovative digital techniques have brought new vitality and business opportunities for porcelain made in Jingdezhen, a crucial vehicle for Chinese-foreign trade and cultural interactions that has made significant contributions to inter-civilizational exchanges and mutual learning throughout history.

As such, Jingdezhen has established an “ancient ceramic gene pool,” with attempts made to apply technologies like 3D printing and AI-assisted reassembly to the restoration of ceramic artifacts, Cui explained. Moreover, researchers have built an “intangible cultural heritage database,” leveraging heritage data from Jingdezhen for archaeological identification, exchanges and exhibitions, and the construction of digital museums. These and other initiatives are allowing Jingdezhen’s time-honored Chinese ceramic culture to shine with new brilliance.

Balmukunda Regmi, a professor at Tribhuvan University in Nepal, noted that the Dunhuang Academy has carried out photographic documentation and 3D scanning and modeling of several caves at the Mogao Grottoes, while also developing a micro-environment early warning system for their protection. He expressed hope that the preservation model used at Mogao could be adapted for the Sky Caves of Mustang in Nepal, and emphasized the importance of strengthening exchanges and cooperation with the Dunhuang Academy. Located in the Himalayan region, the Sky Caves of Mustang are a major archaeological site housing a large number of Buddhist murals, sculptures, and scriptures. However, their remote location, harsh climate, and growing tourism have subjected the site to both natural erosion and human-caused damage.

At the conference, the Silk Road pop-up book was officially launched. This richly illustrated volume presents a panoramic view of ancient Silk Road civilizations and commercial exchanges. It features intelligent point-to-read functionality in all six official UN languages—Chinese, English, French, Russian, Arabic, and Spanish—showcasing the enduring brilliance of Silk Road culture.

The dialogue was co-hosted by the Chinese Association for International Understanding and the Gansu Provincial People’s Government.