Dialogue a modest act of building bridges in a very divided world

A year after the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, observed on June 10, was unanimously adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, this visionary initiative, which was proposed by China and cosponsored by over 80 countries, reflects a global consensus that human progress is built upon the collective intellectual and cultural achievements of all civilizations, transcending borders and historical divides.

The concept of "civilization" is not easy to define. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization regards it as a universal, pluralistic and nonhierarchical reality.

As international discord, ideological fragmentation and geopolitical rivalry threaten to undermine global stability, the establishment of this day of observance serves as a timely reminder that respect, understanding and mutual exchange are not mere diplomatic platitudes but indispensable pillars for lasting peace and shared prosperity. The resolution's core principle — that all civilizational achievements form "the collective heritage of humankind" — reinforces a fundamental truth: no culture exists in isolation and every society's advancement is enriched through cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration.

This action is also an acknowledgment of China's Global Civilization Initiative, which champions equal dialogue, inclusive engagement, and the celebration of diversity. By promoting a model of global governance that is both multipolar and culturally respectful, China has sought to demonstrate that unity need not mean uniformity. China has organized related activities across the globe to further signal the shift from institutional endorsement to grassroots resonance.

From organizing ancient instrument concerts in Romania and Denmark, flash mobs at Canadian anime festivals, to an event in Kenya, China's efforts to commemorate the day in different countries illustrate the power of cultural diplomacy to bridge divides in unexpected ways. These events are living testaments to humanity's shared spirit: our capacity to listen, learn and grow together. Whether through music, art or academic exchange, each act of cultural engagement reinforces the bonds that connect us.

Notably, the resolution grounds itself in universally accepted principles, calling for intercultural exchanges rooted in equality and mutual respect while carefully avoiding any suggestion of cultural hierarchy. While some nations have raised concerns about the term "civilization" lacking a precise legal definition, none contest the intrinsic value of fostering dialogue across differences. This underscores a rare point of convergence in an otherwise fractured global landscape.

In championing the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, China offers not a rigid doctrine but an open invitation, a process of sustained engagement rather than a prescriptive solution. In a world increasingly defined by geopolitical divisions and ideological polarization, this initiative represents a modest yet meaningful act of bridge-building. It reflects a commitment to the quieter, subtler forms of diplomacy through education, youth exchanges, museum collaborations, and, above all, the willingness to listen with humility and curiosity.

June 10 is more than a symbolic date; it embodies a collective pledge by nations, international institutions and individuals across cultures to pursue unity not through coercion but through the patient, generous work of fostering mutual understanding. If this day helps humanity move beyond the fear of the unknown, ease the anxieties of difference, and strengthen solidarity in the face of shared challenges, then it will have fulfilled its promise.

In doing so, China's proposal will have made an enduring contribution to a future where diversity is celebrated as a source of strength, and dialogue paves the way for a more harmonious world. Just as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres claimed: "Dialogue is the path to peace. Where dialogue is missing, ignorance fills the void."