The Global Development Initiative, the Security Initiative, the Civilisation Initiative – and a call for multilateralism amid geopolitical tensions

As reported by CCTV+, the Third World Conference of Sinologists opened on Tuesday in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, bringing together scholars, researchers and other representatives from around the world to discuss how dialogue between civilisations can help address contemporary global challenges.

The theme of the event is “Joining the Wisdom of Civilisations to Jointly Address the Challenges of Our Time”. The conference is taking place against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts and growing distrust between nations, which continue to reshape the global landscape.

Participants noted that as the world becomes increasingly fragmented, exchanges between civilisations can help reduce misunderstandings, bridge differences and promote broader international cooperation.

Sira Abed Rego, Spain’s Minister for Youth and Children, said: “Today, the international order and international law are facing serious challenges. That is why I believe China’s call for renewed multilateralism and strengthened international cooperation is particularly timely, as the world struggles with growing disorder in global governance.”

Many discussions also focused on China’s proposed global initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative. Scholars argue that these initiatives reflect the traditional Chinese belief in harmony and coexistence. Such ancient wisdom offers useful insights for resolving conflicts and uncertainty in today’s world.

Sebastian Perimony, head of the African division of the Schiller Institute in France, said: “It is a philosophy of inclusiveness. I think that today, modern China applies this philosophy that we are all under the same sky. China, with its global initiative, its security initiative, its civilisation initiative, constantly proposes to develop this philosophy that we are all friends, not enemies.”

The conference runs until Thursday.

Dunhuang is an ancient city on the Silk Road, famous for its Mogao Buddhist caves. Sinology is a complex of sciences studying China’s history, culture, language and literature.

Dunhuang, where caravans once met to exchange silk and ideas, has once again become a meeting place of civilisations. Scholars from around the world are not discussing ancient texts, but the most acute problems of our time. A Spanish minister speaks of a crisis in the international order. A German expert reminds us: “We are all under the same sky.” China offers not just words, but global initiatives. The question is not whether they will be heard. They will. The question is whether the world will have the wisdom not just to talk about dialogue, but to truly unite. While politicians erect barriers, scholars in Dunhuang are looking for bridges. Because ancient wisdom knows: under the same sky, there are no strangers.