Zhang Donggang, chair of the University Council of Renmin University of China (RUC), delivers opening remarks at the first China–Spain Civilization Forum on November 4. [Photo/ruc.edu.cn]

The first China–Spain Civilization Forum was held at Renmin University of China (RUC) on November 4, building a knowledge-sharing platform and an action framework oriented toward the future, and contributing solid academic strength to building a community with a shared future for humanity.

The forum, which was jointly organized by RUC and Complutense University of Madrid and co-hosted by the China–Spain Research Center for Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations, RUC's International Exchanges and Cooperation Office, the School of Arts and the School of Foreign Languages, centered on the theme of China–Spain civilization dialogue and mutual learning. It aimed to deepen understanding, trust and cultural exchange between the two civilizations.

In his opening remarks, Zhang Donggang, chair of the University Council of RUC, highlighted the important progress in bilateral cooperation and the role of leading universities in promoting humanistic dialogue and future-oriented education.

Since the establishment of the China–Spain Research Center for Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations, the two universities have advanced translation of classics, enhanced youth exchanges and deepened academic collaboration. Zhang emphasized RUC's commitment to building consensus through exchange, inspiring future development with historical wisdom, leading innovation with artistic creativity and addressing global challenges through governance, fostering a harmonious and cooperative world.

Experts and scholars explore expressions and dialogue between the Chinese and Spanish civilizations during the roundtable session. [Photo/ruc.edu.cn]

The event also featured sections such as a keynote session, roundtable discussions and student research presentations. RUC students presented findings from their field study in Madrid, conducted under RUC's Global Competence Enhancement Program and the first major initiative of the China–Spain Research Center. The research examined the protection of cultural heritage, reuse of urban space, and multicultural coexistence, highlighting lessons that China and Spain can learn from each other in cultural inheritance and innovation.

The forum opened with performances by RUC's Department of Music and its Chinese Classical Music Society, and also featured three symposiums on art, literature, and linguistics, as well as an exhibition showcasing visual arts from China–Spain cultural exchange with works by faculty and students from both universities.

Artworks from Renmin University of China and Complutense University of Madrid are displayed in an exhibition showcasing China–Spain cultural exchange. [Photo/ruc.edu.cn]