Harmony without uniformity holds its value: China Daily editorial

In our quest for a harmonious world, the 2,500-year-old Chinese concept of "harmony without uniformity" offers a compelling vision. The principle suggests that global stability does not necessitate cultural homogenization or the imposition of a single societal model. Instead, it proposes harmony in the coexistence of diverse cultures. If given space to flourish, this concept can serve as a valuable framework for addressing some modern challenges, from the acute trust deficit to the ethical dilemmas posed by artificial intelligence and the urgent need for equitable global governance.

China has worked to promote and implement this principle. In 2023, President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Civilization Initiative, which calls for respecting cultural diversity, promoting common human values and enhancing international cultural exchanges. The impact of the initiative was institutionalized when the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution proposed by China in 2024, designating June 10 each year as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. That reflects the broad international support for China's vision of harmonious coexistence and a community with a shared future for humanity.

Named after the birthplace of Confucius, the Nishan Forum on World Civilizations was first convened in 2010 in response to the UN proposal for a dialogue among civilizations. The 12th forum, which opened on Monday in Qufu, Shandong province, with the theme "Civilization, Order and Justice", presents a timely counternarrative to the zero-sum view of international relations promoted by some countries, which centers on civilizational superiority and the clash of civilizations.

The forum's emphasis on achieving universal justice through dialogue is both a practical imperative and an urgent necessity for effective global governance.

Drawing on the wisdom of "harmony without uniformity", the forum provides a platform for exchanges of views on topics such as the contemporary value of Confucianism, the global governance deficit, the need for dialogue among civilizations, and the role of AI in shaping humanity's future. It sends a clear message to the world: civilizations are not ranked in terms of superiority or inferiority. Countries should respect different historical traditions, values and development paths, abandon confrontational thinking and seek consensus through equal dialogue.

In a video address to the forum, International Olympic Committee honorary president Thomas Bach emphasized the vital role of dialogue between civilizations, drawing parallels between Confucian philosophy and the Olympic spirit. Bach noted the shared values between the East and West, particularly Confucius' emphasis on developing both body and mind, a concept echoed in the ancient Roman adage Mens sana in corpore sano, "a sound mind in a sound body". He stressed that in today's divided world, dialogues between civilizations and cultures are crucial for fostering understanding and unity among peoples in different nations.

Also on Monday, the World Dialogue on China Studies opened in Cairo to deepen academic exchanges between China and the Arab world. The event is another example of China's efforts to promote dialogue and build consensus.

The Silk Road in history was not merely a trade route but also a vibrant artery for the exchange of goods and ideas that shaped human progress. Today, the Belt and Road Initiative, alongside platforms such as the Nishan Forum and the World Dialogue, continues that legacy. Far from being a geopolitical strategy, this endeavor rejects hegemony and embraces mutual learning, ensuring that the ancient spirit of cross-civilizational dialogue continues to illuminate our shared path forward.

The world faces multiple challenges, as the global economy struggles to recover, the development gap continues to widen, and the ecological environment deteriorates. To tackle these common challenges, nations require not only material resources but also cultural and ethical ones.

Through its efforts to promote mutual learning among civilizations, China is demonstrating its sincere desire to work with other countries to pursue modernization with distinctive national features. By championing equality, respect, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations, China's approach provides the much-needed spiritual foundation to navigate today's crises and build a community with a shared future for humanity.