The International Forum on Mutual Learning among Civilizations 2026 opened on Monday in the Macao Special Administrative Region, focusing on the theme "Mutual Learning among Civilizations, Inheritance, and Development". 

The two-day event features nearly 40 thematic and academic exchange sessions, involving approximately 300 representatives from government departments, international organizations, and leading experts and scholars from over 20 countries, according to the organizers.

READ MORE: Macao a 'perfect platform' for East-West cultural exchange

Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai highlighted the region's unique historical role as a pivotal point for exchanges between Chinese and Western civilizations under the "one country, two systems" framework. 

He emphasized the SAR's commitment to implementing the Global Civilization Initiative, serving as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and exploring human-centered digital and AI applications for cultural heritage preservation. Calling for equal and open dialogue among civilizations, he expressed hope that the forum would foster consensus and contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity.

China Daily's Parker Zheng took the photos on Monday.