Dialogue among civilizations is a bond of peace, a driver for development, and a bridge of friendship.

This was the message conveyed by the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, on celebrating the First International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. The Ambassador spoke about this landmark achievement during an event hosted at the embassy in Pretoria on Thursday, which was attended by a delegation from the Government, including Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and other dignitaries.

In June last year, the 78th United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution by consensus, which was initiated by China. It was co-sponsored by over 80 countries, including South Africa. Ambassador Wu said the establishment of this international day echoes the common aspiration of people from all countries for promoting dialogue among civilizations and progress of humanity.

“The world today is faced with turbulence and transformation. How different civilizations coexist harmoniously represents a critical issue of our era.”

The ambassador added that more dialogue means less confrontation and greater inclusion reduces estrangement.

The International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations aims to enhance global awareness of the vital importance of civilization, diversity and intercultural exchanges, to encourage the international community to strengthen mutual learning and solidarity, and to jointly explore solutions to global challenges, Wu said.

He stressed that China has constantly upheld a civilization outlook, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness and has always been an active champion of inter-civilization dialogue.

“What has sustained Chinese civilization across 5,000 years is no accident. It is our ancestral conviction that harmony breeds prosperity, that diversity is strength…”

The Ambassador added that true progress comes from mutual learning and enlightened integration.

He said South Africa’s success to a large extent lies in the traditional spirit of Ubuntu.

“This African wisdom teaches us that ‘I am because we are’, forging national unity through shared dignity. The Ambassador said this cultural affinity and convergence have established an essential framework of common values, facilitating intellectual and cultural dialogue not only between China and South Africa but also among all nations.

“Our world comprises over 200 countries and regions, 2,500 ethnic groups, and diverse religions. In this era of interconnected destinies, all nations and people should respect differences, embrace harmony in diversity, and pursue peaceful coexistence.”

He said China stands ready to work with South Africa and the international community to actively implement the Global Civilization initiative.

“Together we can foster inclusive co-existence and mutual learning among civilizations and use dialogue to promote world peace and shared development, thus jointly composing a new chapter for building a community with a shared future for mankind,” Wu said.

Dlamini-Zuma meanwhile hailed China, calling for the 10th of June to be known as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.

“As we move faster and faster into a multipolar world, the international community must welcome this initiative by China to ensure dialogue among civilizations and peoples.”

She pointed out that the Freedom Charter is emphatic: “There shall be peace and friendship”.

She said the Freedom Charter speaks clearly to the principles and values of dialogue between civilizations.

“We must acknowledge the existence of our respective civilizations which have expanded thousands of years. While economic and infrastructural development is paramount, we certainly must have a dialogue about how your country and government has been able to make poverty history in China,” she told the Ambassador.

Dlamini-Zuma added that when the world looks to China, ‘we know that China is one of the countries with the most neighbours in the world, yet an integral part of Chinese foreign policy is China’s ability to maintain peace and cohesion with these neighbours’.

Source link