Initiative lauded for encouraging dialogue among global civilizations

China's Global Civilization Initiative is important to encourage dialogue among civilizations for peaceful coexistence in a world that is constantly changing and becoming more unpredictable, South African experts said, as the world marked the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations last week.

"In an increasingly interconnected world, embracing cultural diversity and encouraging dialogue among civilizations is vital for promoting peace, cooperation and shared progress," said Dave Malcomson, acting deputy director general for the Middle East and Asia at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa. "Through dialogue and exchanges, societies can build mutual trust and lay foundations for a more harmonious future across regions, cultures, and ideologies."

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Proposed by China in 2023, the initiative includes calls for respecting the diversity of civilizations and the common values of humanity.

In June 2024, a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly designated June 10 the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, which was proposed by China and cosponsored by over 80 countries.

Malcomson said the world is undergoing transformation and a shift in the international landscape, which calls for the Global South to promote exchanges, and share innovation and technology.

He said, "In this regard, cultural exchanges play a critical role in promoting understanding and strengthening cooperation among nations. This is more important than ever in the current context of geopolitical polarization, volatility, rising fragmentation, instability, conflict and threats to global norms, international law and the rules-based order."

Malcomson stated that China is an important partner in the international community and he is confident that it will continue to "contribute constructively" to the United Nations and global governance processes to advance development and prosperity.

Defending multilateralism

He welcomed "China's strong stance" in defending multilateralism.

"We acknowledge that China's global initiatives are meant to promote multilateralism, improve peace and security, promote socioeconomic development and contribute to the reform of global governance."

Philani Mthembu, executive director at South African think tank Institute for Global Dialogue, said the world, geopolitics and global power dynamics are all undergoing shifts.

This makes China's Global Civilization Initiative relevant for countries to coexist, he said.

While the world keeps evolving, some countries push back against such changes, he said. In this context, the GCI serves to foster dialogue, and it is important to mark the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.

"A dialogue among civilizations can help countries to understand that we don't have to agree on everything, but what is important is to work with one another. So fostering cooperation, especially in the current environment globally, is important," said Mthembu.

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"The world is moving toward multipolarity, but we still have pushback. There is still unilateralism, but many countries in the Global South, including South Africa and China, are calling for multilateralism."

He warned that when negative things happen in one part of the world, they can affect other parts or regions far from them. Mthembu gave an example of the conflicts in the Middle East, which are negatively affecting many countries in different parts of the world.

Africa has to take advantage of the changes taking place in the world and leverage on that to meet development aspirations, he said.

The African continent must speak with one voice on global issues, he added.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.