Xi calls for dialogue of civilizations

Event aims to promote cross-cultural exchanges, mutual understanding

In Beijing's leafy Olympic Green stands a stately edifice, the curve of whose facade, inspired by the eaves of ancient Chinese architecture, symbolizes a bridge connecting different cultures around the world.

The design of the building, the China National Convention Center, befits an event it is about to host on Wednesday - the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations initiated by President Xi Jinping to promote cross-civilizational exchanges and mutual learning across this culturally diverse continent and build an Asian community with a shared future.