Monrovia, Liberia – Today is “International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations”. On June 7, 2024, a resolution to establish the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, introduced by China was adopted unanimously at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), declaring June 10th the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. The resolution states that all civilizational achievements are “the collective heritage of humankind.” It advocates respecting the diversity of civilizations, emphasizing “the crucial role of dialogue” among civilizations in maintaining world peace, promoting common development, enhancing human well-being, and achieving collective progress. Liberia voted in favor of the resolution.
Today, confronted with multiple cascading and interlocking crises and challenges, the world is entering a new era of instability and change, putting humanity once again at the crossroads. In this context, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) in March 2023. The GCI advocates the respect for the diversity of civilizations, the common values of humanity, the importance of inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. The above-mentioned UNGA Resolution advocates for equal dialogue and mutual respect among different civilizations, embodying the core essence of the GCI.
Dialogue among civilizations opens the door to people-to-people bonds. China actively leverages the role of dialogue among civilizations, steadfastly using it to eliminate discrimination and prejudice, enhance mutual understanding and trust, promote greater interrelatedness among peoples and strengthen solidarity and cooperation. From the vibrant global celebrations of the “Happy Chinese New Year” to the reciprocal hosting of culture and tourism years with numerous countries; from implementing cultural heritage protection and cooperation projects with Belt and Road Initiative countries to comprehensively easing and optimizing transit visa exemption policies.
These cultural exchange activities and pragmatic measures have enhanced mutual understanding and friendship among peoples and allowed the charm of diverse civilizations to flourish through interaction. Furthermore, China proactively engages in exchanges with other countries on governance experience. China is ready to work with Africa to build a platform for governance experience sharing, a China-Africa knowledge network for development and 25 centers on China and Africa studies. China spearheaded the creation of the Global South Think Tanks Alliance, so as to facilitate people-to-people exchanges and mutual learning in governance practices among nations.
Dialogue among civilizations builds a bridge for China-Liberia friendship. Over the past year, thousands of representatives from various sectors in Liberia visited China for exchanges and studies. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., led a delegation to the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence attended the 2024 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges and delivered a keynote speech. A number of cabinet ministers and members of both Senate and House of Representatives visited China, while dozens of outstanding Liberian youths pursued studies there. These visitors witnessed firsthand China’s social development and the achievements of Chinese modernization.
Upon returning home, they shared their experiences with more Liberian friends. Besides, Shenzhen Mayor Qin Weizhong and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the People’s Congress of Guizhou Province Sang Weiliang successively visited Liberia. The Liberia National Travel Association joined the China-based International Mountain Tourism Alliance.
Xu Hui, President of the All-China Students’ Federation, led a delegation to Liberia to participate in the Executive Committee meeting of the All-Africa Students Union. Chinese medical teams in Liberia promoted traditional Chinese medicine culture. Teachers at the Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia taught Mandarin nationwide through the “Chinese in the Air” program, and outstanding Liberian students recited poetry and sang songs in Chinese. These efforts have enabled more people to transcend geographical and cultural barriers, appreciating the charm of the Chinese language. Consequently, the China-Liberia friendship has grown profoundly deeper.
Diversity spurs interaction among civilizations, which in turn promotes mutual learning and their further development. On June 3, Liberia was elected to serve as the non-permanent member of the UN Security Council(2026-2027). China extends its warmest congratulations and wishes Liberia play a greater role in international affairs. China upholds true multilateralism and will continue to be both a promoter and a practitioner of dialogue among civilizations.
China stands ready to work with Liberia and other countries to reject the clash of civilizations, oppose interference in other countries’ internal affairs, resist unilateral bullying, uphold fairness and justice, replace confrontation with cooperation, and replace zero-sum game with win-win cooperation. We will remain committed to the path of peaceful coexistence among different civilizations, actively promote dialogue among civilizations, and strive to open up new prospects for people-to-people exchanges, cultural integration, and mutual understanding among nations.
