The 2021 China (Qufu) International Confucius Cultural Festival and the 7th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations opened in Qufu, Shandong, on September 27th. Nearly 200 Chinese and international experts and scholars engaged in debates and exchanges of views under the theme of “Dialogue among Civilizations and Global Cooperation” within two days.

Ye Xiaowen (Deputy Head of the Committee on Culture, Historical Data and Studies of the CPPCC National Committee)

Exchanges and mutual learning also call for “cultural vaccines”

"The mutual learning among world civilizations is our common desire, but we see more of the clashes of civilizations." Ye Xiaowen said that the pandemic situation is still severe. The vaccine against the virus has been developed relying on natural science, but exchanges and mutual earning also require "cultural vaccines". "To achieve mutual trust, we should not continue to create "political virus." Peaceful development is in China's genes. China is a peaceful, amiable, and civilized "Oriental Lion". All countries should join hands to promote common prosperity in the world.

"International interaction will only be resumed after the virus is put under control." Ye Xiaowen said that the pandemic is threatening the lives of 7.6 billion people around the world, and a divided world cannot cope with common challenges. China can share the methods and valuable experience of responding to the epidemic. This also requires a spirit of global cooperation and trust for preventing the next pandemic. More activities similar to Nishan Forum on World Civilizations should be held to promote cultural exchanges, but we should not "talk to ourselves". Instead, we must strive to achieve face-to-face communication.