Nvar
Amid rising global tensions and increasing cultural and political polarization, the "Global Civilization" initiative has emerged as a new concept proposed by the People's Republic of China in international forums, most notably the World Civilizations Forum and President Xi Jinping's 2023 speech. The initiative has garnered widespread international attention and initial support from the United Nations within the context of promoting cultural peace and mutual understanding.
The initiative aims to build a more balanced and just global order based on mutual respect among civilizations and rejecting the dominance of a single civilization or model over other cultures and peoples. It emphasizes that cultural diversity is not a source of conflict, but rather a source of strength and innovation, and that cultural exchange can contribute to resolving conflicts, supporting development, and promoting world peace.
The most prominent principles upon which the initiative is based are:
1. Mutual respect among cultures and civilizations.
2. Rejecting cultural hegemony and the imposition of single value models.
3. Encouraging dialogue and cultural exchange as an alternative to conflict and confrontation.
4. Peaceful coexistence and openness to others as a means to achieve shared development.
The United Nations has supported this vision through cultural events, the designation of an International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, and the affirmation that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires a profound understanding of the cultural and social specificities of each people.
What distinguishes this Chinese initiative is that it comes at a moment of global transformation, as the international system seeks more pluralistic and balanced models of international relations. Hence, the Global Civilization Initiative represents an important turning point in reshaping the outlook on relations between peoples and cultures, establishing an international order based on diversity, justice, and mutual respect.