CGTN: Beauty in diversity: How wisdom at Nishan Forum inspires global modernization
'Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar?' This opening question and well-known saying from the Analects of Confucius has been transformed into a vivid reality as experts and scholars from across the world gathered at the 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations in east China's Qufu City.
The forum is named after Nishan Mountain, formerly known as the Ni Qiu Hill, about 30 kilometers southeast of Qufu – the birthplace of the great Chinese thinker and educator Confucius (551-479 BC). Since its first edition in 2010, the forum has become a platform for understanding China and fostering international cultural and civilizational exchanges.
Taking place from Wednesday to Thursday, the 11th Nishan Forum attracted more than 500 global leaders, scholars and cultural figures to explore the role of ancient wisdom in shaping the modern world with the theme of 'Beauty in Diversity: Nurturing Understanding Among Civilizations for Global Modernization.'
Understanding among civilizations highlighted
Scholars at the forum underscored the essential role that cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations play in advancing human progress.
Noting armed conflicts have resurfaced in today's turbulent world, Madagascar's Ambassador to China Jean Louis Robinson spoke highly of the forum, saying that its role in promoting harmonious coexistence and shared prosperity among diverse cultures and civilizations has become all the more significant.
China-proposed Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) won praise from foreign participants. In March 2023, China introduced the GCI, which calls for respect for global civilizational diversity, the promotion of shared human values, the inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and the strengthening of international cultural exchanges.
Hussain Mohamed Latheef, vice president of the Republic of Maldives, described the GCI as a timely reminder of the need to respect and understand diverse cultures worldwide. 'The initiative promotes shared human values, aims to balance tradition with innovation, and supports cultural exchange and development,' Latheef added.
Some of the experts spoke highly of the influence of Confucianism, which is known for its five key concepts, namely benevolence, or 'ren' in Chinese, righteousness, or 'yi,' propriety, 'li,' wisdom, 'zhi,' and trustworthiness, 'xin.'
Dr Salome Nyambura, director of the Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University, told CGTN that close people-to-people exchanges between China and Kenya have made more Kenyans interested in Confucianism.
Echoing Nyambura, Riccardo Pozzo, professor of History of Philosophy at Tor Vergata University of Rome, said that Confucianism can provide valuable solutions to bridge traditional and modern issues and solve modern problems, citing the saying from the Analects that 'If a man keeps cherishing his old knowledge and continually acquires new knowledge, he may become a teacher to others.'
Global modernization deeply rooted in fertile soil of civilizations
As well as fueling academic dialogue and people-to-people connections, exchanges among civilizations are also expected to generate valuable insights to tackle global challenges and open up diverse pathways for modernization.
China is committed to offering new opportunities to the world through the achievements of its unique path to modernization, and providing new momentum to global partners through its vast domestic market, Sun Chunlan, president of the International Confucian Association, said when addressing the opening of the forum.
China's poverty alleviation efforts and global cooperation on poverty reduction have provided relevant examples, demonstrating that the development of civilization should be 'people-oriented' and that the fruits of development can benefit more groups.
Wang Xuedian, vice president of the International Confucian Association, said that civilizations must engage in dialogue and mutual learning to explore development paths that align with their own cultural contexts.
By drawing on advanced productive forces and promoting traditional values, different civilizations can bridge developmental gaps and realize the common prosperity and harmonious coexistence of multiple civilizations, Wang added.
As for Latheef, humanity must work together to safeguard cultural traditions and values while embracing new ideas and changes to adapt to global modernization.
Roger T. Ames, professor emeritus of philosophy at the University of Hawaii and Humanities Chair Professor at Peking University, said that the urgent task is to transform individualism into a conscious awareness of a united global community, adding that the Confucian values of fairness, inclusiveness and harmony offer valuable guidance for addressing the pressing challenges of the modern world.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Asean rises as a strategic fulcrum in changing world order
PUTRAJAYA, July 14 (Bernama): The 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings, which capped off successfully last Friday, undoubtedly strengthened Asean as a central player in regional diplomacy amid heightened geopolitical competition. Far from serving as a mere forum for dialogue, Asean has been increasingly seen as a key actor capable of shaping the future of regional stability and security, economic cooperation and in advancing multilateralism. As the host of the 58th AMM, Malaysia has demonstrated its diplomacy finesse, leading high-level discussions among Asean Foreign Ministers and with their external partners that included major powers such as the United States, China, Russia, the European Union, India and Japan. Universiti Sains Malaysia's Associate Professor of the School of Social Sciences, Dr Benny Teh Cheng Guan, said the involvement of major powers underscores Asean's critical role in regional diplomacy and navigating the evolving power dynamics of the Indo-Pacific. He said while Beijing wants to project itself as a reliable partner through consistent economic outreach, Washington has sought to reaffirm its commitment to the region by intensifying diplomatic engagement and balancing China's growing influence. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described his first engagement at the AMM as "extraordinary", as he stressed Washington's commitment to Asean as its primary diplomatic platform in Southeast Asia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, meanwhile, emphasised the importance of Asean as both a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy and a foundational partner in promoting a shared regional future. He also reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to upholding a rules-based global order - anchored in United Nations (UN) principles - and pledged to continue supporting Asean's centrality in addressing regional challenges. "They are reassuring Asean of their commitment to the region, while underscoring the organisation's central role in regional diplomacy amidst big power rivalry. "It shows Asean's strength in setting the agenda and providing an indispensable platform for Asean members to strategically engage their counterparts on a wide range of issues deemed important to the bloc," Teh told Bernama. Teh also welcomed increasing global interests towards Asean, noting them as a positive development that highlights the bloc's growing influence. He said Asean's appeal stems from its unique combination of economic dynamism, political stability and a socially tech-savvy population, making the region an attractive partner in a shifting global landscape. "However, Asean should exercise caution to ensure any partnership expansion strengthens rather than burdens the bloc," he said. Teh added that the bloc must take proactive steps to reinforce its relevance, strengthen internal cooperation, and defend multilateral principles. "Asean should work closely with its dialogue partners to uphold a rules-based international order and defend multilateral norms, strengthen inter-ASEAN trade cooperation and collectively reject protectionism as well as push for reforms to deepen integration and diversify trade flows," he said. The four-day event, held under Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship 2025 with theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', witnessed important decisions that underscored the bloc's deep-rooted principle of unity, neutrality, and inclusivity. Among the highlights was the notable progress made on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said China will sign the Protocol of the SEANWFZ without reservation, as soon as all the documentation is ready. He also revealed that 'two to three' nuclear-weapon states (NWS) have also contacted Malaysia, as this year's Asean Chair, to resume earlier discussions on the treaty. On Myanmar, the AMM has reasserted the call for stakeholders to cease hostilities and violence, and engage in inclusive dialogue to de-escalate the ongoing crisis as precondition to holding elections. In line with this, Mohamad said he plans to go Myanmar in September to present the junta with a 'wishlist' aimed at restoring peace and democracy in the country. The AMM meeting reiterated support for Timor-Leste full accession to the bloc, which is expected to be announced in October. In conjunction with the meeting, Malaysia also co-hosted the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV) with Japan and Palestine on reconstruction in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Amid the broader agenda, a series of bilateral and trilateral meetings also took place between allies and rivals alike. One of the most closely watched meetings was between Rubio and Wang, marking their first in-person engagement since the former's appointment in January. Separately, Rubio also held a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, with discussions centred on global situations - including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as on the readiness of Moscow and Washington to resume their high-level cooperation. These diplomatic interactions were not only significant, but also deeply symbolic - reflecting Asean and Malaysia's vital role as conveners of dialogue in a time of global tensions. The ministerial-level meetings may have concluded, but diplomatic efforts continue in full swing behind the scenes, laying the groundwork for the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits that are taking place in October. - Bernama
Daily Express
an hour ago
- Daily Express
Rewriting the past: Indonesia's new history books spook scholars
Published on: Monday, July 14, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 14, 2025 By: AFP Text Size: Officials claim the new book aims to bolster Indonesian identity but warn omissions could undermine its credibility. (EPA Images pic) JAKARTA: The Indonesian government's plans to issue new history books have sparked fears that mention of deadly riots in 1998 targeting mostly ethnic Chinese in the country will be scrubbed from the text. The 10-volume account was ordered by the administration of president Prabowo Subianto, an ex-general accused of abducting activists in the unrest that preceded dictator Suharto's fall, claims he denies. Scholars fear his government could use the exercise to rewrite history and cover up past abuses. Draft volume summaries and a chapter outline seen by AFP do not include any specific section on the 1998 violence. A summary of Suharto's rule in the volume dedicated to him only mentions how 'student demonstrations… became a factor' in his resignation. 'The writing was flawed since the beginning,' said Andi Achdian, historian at Jakarta's National University, who has seen the outline. 'It has a very strong tendency to whitewash history.' Suharto ruled Indonesia with an iron fist for more than three decades after grabbing power in the wake of a 1965-6 massacre. The culture minister overseeing the government's history project, Fadli Zon, told lawmakers last week the account 'does not discuss May '98… because it's small'. Neither does it promise to include most of the 'gross human rights violations' acknowledged by former president Joko Widodo in 2023. Jajat Burhanudin, a project editor, contradicted Fadli and dismissed concerns, telling AFP the new volumes would include 1998 events, with the draft outline just a 'trigger for discussion'. Officials say the new historical account is needed to strengthen Indonesian identity but warned that any omission about its darkest past will raise eyebrows over objectivity. 'What is feared is that… the cases that have been accepted by the previous government to be resolved will be ignored,' said Marzuki Darusman, a former attorney general and head of a civil society coalition opposed to the volumes. 'Updated' history While it remains unclear how the government plans to use the books, Jajat said the volumes could be used as 'one of the main sources' for history books taught in schools. Neither historian Susanto Zuhdi, who is helming the project, nor the presidential palace responded to requests for comment. The revisionist history garnered renewed scrutiny after the culture minister questioned whether mass rape had occurred at the end of Suharto's rule. Ethnic Chinese Indonesians bore the brunt of the bloodshed during the riots, when rape squads – purportedly led by army thugs – roamed Jakarta's streets. 'Was there really mass rape? There was never any proof,' Fadli told local media in an interview last month. 'If there is, show it.' A 1998 fact-finding report, commissioned by Indonesia's first president after Suharto, found at least 52 reported cases of rape in the unrest. 'This project risks erasing uncomfortable truths,' said Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia. Fadli told AFP the nation-building project would go ahead despite criticism. 'The consensus (is) we continue,' he said. 'This is an updated version of our history,' he added, saying there would be a public debate 'this month', without elaborating. 'Historical propaganda' The project involves 113 academics, including historians, but at least one of them has resigned. Archaeologist Harry Truman Simanjuntak told AFP he quit in a dispute over language – the term 'early history' was used instead of 'prehistory' for Indonesia's ancient civilisation. Fadli told lawmakers the phrase was avoided because it was created by Indonesia's former Dutch rulers. But Harry said it showed the political influence over the text. 'It was very obvious that editors' authority did not exist. They were under the control of the government,' he said. The furore around the project has caused some opposition lawmakers and critics to call for its suspension or cancellation. Activist Maria Catarina Sumarsih, whose son was killed in a military crackdown after Suharto's fall, accused the writers of warping the past. 'The government is deceiving the public… especially young people,' she said. Others said documenting Indonesia's past was best left to academics. 'If the government feels this nation needs a history that could make us proud… it can't be through the government's version of historical propaganda,' said Marzuki. 'It should be the result of the work of historians.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
ASEAN Rises as Strategic Fulcrum in Changing World Order
Far from serving as mere forum for dialogue, ASEAN has been increasingly seen as a key actor capable of shaping the future of regional stability and security, economic cooperation and in advancing multilateralism. PUTRAJAYA, July 14 (Bernama) -- The 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings, which capped off successfully last Friday, undoubtedly strengthened ASEAN as a central player in regional diplomacy amid heightened geopolitical competition. He said while Beijing wants to project itself as a reliable partner through consistent economic outreach, Washington has sought to reaffirm its commitment to the region by intensifying diplomatic engagement and balancing China's growing influence. Universiti Sains Malaysia's Associate Professor of the School of Social Sciences, Dr Benny Teh Cheng Guan, said the involvement of major powers underscores ASEAN's critical role in regional diplomacy and navigating the evolving power dynamics of the Indo-Pacific. As the host of the 58th AMM, Malaysia has demonstrated its diplomacy finesse, leading high-level discussions among ASEAN Foreign Ministers and with their external partners that included major powers such the United States, China, Russia, the European Union, India and Japan. He also reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to upholding a rules-based global order – anchored in United Nations (UN) principles – and pledged to continue supporting ASEAN's centrality in addressing regional challenges. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, meanwhile, emphasised the importance of ASEAN as both a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy and a foundational partner in promoting a shared regional future. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described his first engagement at the AMM as "extraordinary", as he stressed Washington's commitment to ASEAN as its primary diplomatic platform in Southeast Asia, "They are reassuring ASEAN of their commitment to the region, while underscoring the organisation's central role in regional diplomacy amidst big power rivalry. "It shows ASEAN's strength in setting the agenda and providing an indispensable platform for ASEAN members to strategically engage their counterparts on a wide range of issues deemed important to the bloc," Teh told Bernama. Teh also welcomed increasing global interests towards ASEAN, noting them as a positive development that highlights the bloc's growing influence. He said ASEAN's appeal stems from its unique combination of economic dynamism, political stability and a socially tech-savvy population – making the region an attractive partner in a shifting global landscape. "However, ASEAN should exercise caution to ensure any partnership expansion strengthens rather than burdens the bloc," he said. Teh added that the bloc must take proactive steps to reinforce its relevance, strengthen internal cooperation, and defend multilateral principles. "ASEAN should work closely with its dialogue partners to uphold a rules-based international order and defend multilateral norms, strengthen inter-ASEAN trade cooperation and collectively reject protectionism as well as push for reforms to deepen integration and diversify trade flows," he said. The four-day event, held under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 with theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', witnessed important decisions that underscored the bloc's deep-rooted principle of unity, neutrality, and inclusivity. Among the highlights was the notable progress made on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said China will sign the Protocol of the SEANWFZ without reservation, as soon as all the documentation is ready. He also revealed that 'two to three' nuclear-weapon states (NWS) have also contacted Malaysia, as this year's ASEAN Chair, to resume earlier discussions on the treaty. On Myanmar, the AMM has reasserted the call for stakeholders to cease hostilities and violence, and engage in inclusive dialogue to de-escalate the ongoing crisis as precondition to holding elections. In line with this, Mohamad said he plans to go Myanmar in September to present the junta with a 'wishlist' aimed at restoring peace and democracy in the country. The AMM meeting reiterated support for Timor-Leste full accession to the bloc, which is expected to be announced in October. In conjunction with the meeting, Malaysia also co-hosted the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV) with Japan and Palestine on reconstruction in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Amid the broader agenda, a series of bilateral and trilateral meetings also took place between allies and rivals alike. One of the most closely watched meetings was between Rubio and Wang, marking their first in-person engagement since the former's appointment in January. Separately, Rubio also held a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, with discussions centred on global situations – including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as on the readiness of Moscow and Washington to resume their high-level cooperation. These diplomatic interactions were not only significant, but also deeply symbolic – reflecting ASEAN and Malaysia's vital role as conveners of dialogue in a time of global tensions. The ministerial-level meetings may have concluded, but diplomatic efforts continue in full swing behind the scenes, laying the groundwork for the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits that is taking place in October. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
