Under the theme (Building a Shared Future for Humanity), the city of Erbil hosted the second anniversary of the (International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations).
This event was organized on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, by the (Global Civilization Initiative Research Center) and supported by the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China at the Radisson Hotel, bringing together a selection of high-ranking government officials, political leaders, diplomats, and local and international academics.
In this forum, which was held based on the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 78/286, it was emphasized that the Kurdistan Region, due to its cultural and religious diversity, can become a successful model for the dialogue among civilizations. Attendees pointed out that the relations between the Kurdistan Region and China are not only within an economic framework but have deep human and cultural dimensions that can become the catalyst for peace and stability in the region. This meeting sent a clear message to the international community that global challenges can only be faced through mutual understanding and respect for differences.
The forum's activities began with welcoming the guests and opening a photography exhibition. After playing the national anthems of the countries, Mr. Nabaz Mustafa, the Executive Director of the Center, delivered the welcoming speech. Subsequently, an official speech by Mr. Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister, was broadcast via video, followed by a speech by Dr. Kawa Mahmoud, the head of the Global Civilization Initiative Research Center.
In another part of the speeches, Mr. Safeen Dizayee, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Mr. Liu Jun, the Chinese Consul General in Erbil, , and Mr. Kennedy Chibvongodze, the UNDP representative in Erbil, presented their countries' and organizations' perspectives on the importance of this dialogue.
The main theme of the forum was concentrated in two scientific panels; the first panel, dedicated to (Embracing a New Era and Deepening the Dialogue among Civilizations), was moderated by Mr. Masoud Mohammed. In this panel, Professor Ma Xiaolin, Professor Liu Zhongmin, Professor Dr. Sherzad Najjar, Dr. Haval Abdubakir, and Mr. Abu Karwan participated as panelists and discussed their academic and political perspectives.
The second panel, which highlighted (A Shared Future and Human Relations between China and the Kurdistan Region), was moderated by Ms. Avan Jaff. The panelists for this theme included Professor Ding Long, Dr. Li Mingbo, Dr. Wei Liang, Dr. Saman Hussein Omar, Mr. Jing Chengpeng, and Dr. Sarwar Mohammed, each of whom explained the importance of this bilateral relationship from a different perspective.
The work concluded with a cultural blend through Kurdish and Chinese artistic performances, followed by closing remarks by Mr. Abu Rafid, Deputy Secretary of the Iraqi Communist Party, and Jihad Mohammed, a member of the Political Bureau of the Jordanian Communist Party, ending the forum's programs, and guests were invited for a break and coffee.
