Global Humanity Forum Symposium 2026 to open in Macao, exploring pathways for civilizational coexistence through harmony in diversity

Against the backdrop of global shifts and civilizational divides, how can humanistic dialogue serve as a bridge across estrangement between people? The news conference for Global Humanity Forum Symposium 2026 was held at the Phoenix Center in Beijing on Aug 11. The flagship event is scheduled to take place in Macao on Dec 3 and 4, with Ban Ki-moon, former secretary-general of the United Nations and chairman of the board of the Boao Forum for Asia, confirmed to attend. The forum is committed to building a new platform for global humanistic exchanges, facilitating mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations, as well as the integrated development of culture and industries worldwide.

Jointly hosted by institutions, including the Ban Ki-moon Foundation, Phoenix Network and the Global Alliance of SMEs, the forum is co-organized by the Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macau, Humanity Assembly, Hongpin Media and other partners. Leveraging Macao's unique geographical advantage shaped by more than 400 years of integration between Eastern and Western civilizations, the forum carries the theme "Beauty of the World, Harmony in Diversity." In response to the Global Civilization Initiative, it seeks to facilitate global humanistic exchanges, boost the integrated development of culture and industries, foster world harmony, and build a permanent, high-level global platform for dialogue on humanistic thought.

Shi Baofeng, founding convener of the forum, said that the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. Divisions and frictions between civilizations have become prominent challenges for global governance, making humanistic communication and mutual learning between civilizations more vital than ever before. The forum will bring together former political leaders from multiple countries and regions, representatives of international organizations, distinguished scholars, artists and business leaders, with around 500 participants in total.

In addition to the keynote session, the agenda covers five parallel sub-forums, a Youth Leaders' Summit, a Women Leadership Summit, closed-door seminars, news release, and a humanities gala dinner. A declaration will be unveiled to advocate the shared values of humanity.

Kim Suk, secretary-general of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation and former permanent representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations, said, "The Ban Ki-moon Foundation has long been committed to advancing global sustainable development, empowering women's rights, and advancing cross-civilization communication. By partnering with the Global Humanity Forum to launch the Ban Ki-moon Global Sustainable Enterprise Achievement Award and the Ban Ki-moon World Outstanding Women Achievement Award, we aim to recognize outstanding individuals who contribute to global sustainable development and exemplary women across all sectors, so as to advance harmonious coexistence worldwide. Foundation Chairman Ban Ki-moon has confirmed his attendance at the event in Macao. We hope to take the forum as an opportunity to connect global non-governmental forces, promote sincere people-to-people dialogue, resolve differences, build consensus, and safeguard world peace and development.

Cao Fang, executive chairman and secretary-general of the Global Alliance of SMEs, commented that the Global Humanity Forum is designed to build channels for civil dialogue among civilizations and adopt a "humanity + industry" model to address practical social challenges with humanistic ideas. He pointed out that, thanks to the strengths of the "one country, two systems" framework, Macao is well-positioned to serve as a bridge for non-governmental exchanges between China and foreign countries. Leveraging the resource advantages of all cooperating parties, all sides strive to develop the forum into a key exchange platform for international humanistic undertakings.

Zou Ming, editorial board member of Phoenix Television and senior editor-in-chief of Phoenix Network, said the world is confronted with multiple changes and challenges, making civilizational communication and people-to-people connectivity more valuable than ever before. The forum's planned dialogue topics cover core areas of human social development, including artificial intelligence technology, philanthropy, green and low-carbon development, culture and the arts. He believes humanistic power carries not only spiritual value but also a gentle yet profound influence. Drawing on Phoenix Television Group's unique geographical advantages in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and global communication resources, Phoenix Network will fully act as a bridge during the forum, enabling dialogue between Eastern wisdom and diverse civilizations to transcend geographical boundaries and resonate across the globe.

Wu Zhiliang, administrative president of the Macao Foundation, said in a video address that Macao's more than 400 years of East-West cultural integration offer a vivid example of civilizational coexistence. He expressed the hope that the forum would transform Macao's practice of diversity and inclusiveness into public value with global relevance. The forum, he said, aspires to become an important bridge across cultural divides and between Eastern and Western wisdom. Macao has long served as a window for exchanges between Eastern and Western civilizations. Today, that window opens not only onto development opportunities, but also onto international trust; it illuminates not only the spotlight of the times, but also a beacon for mutual learning among civilizations.

Zhan Manrong, chief strategy officer of the Global Humanity Forum, stated that the Macao-based Global Humanity Forum carries forward a path of civilizational exchange that resolves differences through dialogue and transcends confrontation through mutual trust.

Su Hao, a renowned expert in international relations at Renmin University of China, analyzed, "Global governance is confronted with numerous difficulties at present, while geopolitical estrangement and cognitive biases keep worsening. The root cause of many conflicts lies in the lack of in-depth non-governmental communication between civilizations. Official diplomacy plays an indispensable role, yet civilian cultural exchanges can serve as a subtle and complementary force. Rooted in civil society without confrontational stances, the Global Humanity Forum advocates equal and diverse dialogue in line with the common values of humanity.

The Global Humanity Forum will continue to bring together political, academic, cultural and industrial leaders from various countries and regions for in-depth dialogue centered on civilizational exchange, humanistic development and global shared issues. Through exchanges of ideas and the sharing of outcomes, the forum will help different civilizations deepen mutual understanding and build consensus through communication and mutual learning, contributing to a more inclusive, diverse and open system for exchanges among human civilizations.