The outlook on values among individuals and communities, especially on core values, is very important, because it defines right and wrong and good and evil, sets the moral standard for society, creates identity, dominates choices and inspires hope. Core values are everywhere, from artistic expressions to objects for daily use. The USA advocates individualism, personal rights, liberty, success and competition; while China advocates collectivism, obligation, responsibility, contribution and harmony.

Some people believe these cultural differences mean China and the USA inevitably lack mutual trust. Samuel Huntington, a celebrated American political scientist, once predicted that cultural differences will replace economic interests as the cause of conflicts in the post-Cold War era, and mankind will be mired in clashes of civilizations forever. But is he right?

Like many pro-cultural diversity optimists, this author believes dialogue on equal terms can help reduce cultural and religious clashes. Two of the leading doctrines that influence the world profoundly, Confucianism and Christianity have differences as well as similarities between them. People should ignore the obsolete view that Confucianism and Christianity do not tolerate each other and therefore cannot coexist in peace, because these two civilizations not only can coexist in peace but also should complement each other in the era of globalization.

In the history of mankind, however, successes have been heavily outnumbered by failures in terms of bringing peace and prosperity to society through dialogue. Tolerance to differences is a prerequisite for any communication to be fruitful. That said, tolerance for differences alone cannot transcend vaunt. The two sides of a dialogue, while expressing their own standing, should learn about the other side's stand as well, so that both sides understand each other's rights and difficulties, otherwise such dialogue is meaningless.

Humaneness breeds successful relationships, which require putting oneself in other people's shoes and understanding why they make decisions the way they do. Only through humane contact and empathy can we pay a relationship the respect it deserves. To understand each other's difficulties, struggle and mission we must respect each other. Trust those who respect you and respect those who trust you, then cooperation will be easy.

The new spirit of communication does not attempt to convince others to accept our faith or defend our beliefs. We can share common values through dialogue and build mutual understanding. The new spirit of communication allows us to learn about the unknown, hear the unheard and open our minds to views we have not previously considered. Only in this way can we find our common goal and the best solution to creating a harmonious world.

Before the clash of civilizations became a popular theory in international political science, many different communities attempted to know one another through trans-cultural and trans-religious dialogue. The United Nations named 2001 the Year of Dialogue between Civilizations and set a new example for interaction among the international community. Unfortunately the spirit of that dialogue was shattered by the tragedy that happened on Sept 11 that year.

This year the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNECOSOC) held the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. A call was issued at the conference to governments, citizen societies and private institutions all over the world to form a broad alliance to safeguard the future of our generation and posterity.

Dialogue among civilizations is very difficult and may take years or even generations to bear fruit. However, dialogue among non-government think-tanks should not be underestimated, because its fruit will become universal values and may even influence government decisions. In the era of globalization, the dialogue and exchanges between two major civilizations are extremely important, as they can boost communication and understanding on the basis of mutual respect and appreciation.

The China Energy Fund Committee Ltd (CEFC), a non-government organization with special consultative status to the UNECOSOC, has been actively promoting international exchanges and understanding since the day it was founded.

The author is secretary-general of the CEFC and a Hong Kong member of the CPPCC.

(HK Edition 11/30/2012 page4)