The 2025 China–Italy Dialogue on Urban Civilization was held in Italy on Sep 28. The event was jointly hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Italy, and co-organized by Renmin University of China, Communication University of China, the Italy–China Friendship Association, and LUISS University.

Experts and scholars from governments, universities, think tanks, and urban management institutions of both China and Italy gathered in the ancient city of Rome to discuss "Cultural Continuity and Urban Civilization Development," illuminating the future of cities through the light of civilization.

In her remarks, Maria Molinari, president of the Italy–China Friendship Association, introduced the role and achievements of the Association, noting that it serves as a model of people-to-people diplomacy between the two countries. She expressed her hope that the dialogue would further expand practical cooperation in culture, education, innovation, and other fields, promote more sister-city partnerships and cultural exchange programs, and inject new momentum into the sustained and healthy development of China–Italy relations. 

In his keynote speech, Lin Shangli, president of Renmin University of China, emphasized that dialogue and cooperation in cultural heritage preservation and urban civilization development represent a vivid practice of mutual learning among civilizations and help consolidate the public foundation for the growth of bilateral relations.

The event featured two roundtable sessions: "Civilizational Integration: Cultural Heritage and Development in Urban Spaces" and "Urban Development: A Sustainable Future through Governance Innovation." More than ten experts and scholars from China and Italy shared their insights, exchanged ideas, built consensus through dialogue, and drew inspiration for the future.