The Inaugural Sino-European Civilization Forum, co-hosted by Renmin University of China and Kedge Business School of France, was held in Paris on September 21st. The event was supported by the Permanent Delegation of China to UNESCO, the International Academy of Cultural Exchange, and the European Alumni Association of Renmin University of China.
The forum aims to enhance in-depth academic exchanges between Chinese and European scholars and promote mutual learning and understanding of their respective civilizations. It aspires to be a bridge for mutual learning and collective growth in the fields of education, culture, and sports. Through this, both Chinese and European entities can collaborate and jointly shape the future. The theme of the forum is "Mutual Learning among Diverse Civilizations and Global Civilization Development".
Notable attendees included Lin Shangli, the President of Renmin University of China; Alexandre de Navailles, the President of Kedge Business School; Shen Xuesong, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Permanent Delegation of China to UNESCO; and Euan Mackway-Jones, representative of UNESCO's Department of Social and Human Sciences. All of them delivered speeches at the forum's opening ceremony.
Lin Shangli emphasized the global development lies in the mutual learning and exchanges between different civilizations. He pointed out that the interaction and mutual learning between the two major civilizations, China and Europe, can better address challenges and find solutions to problems. He expressed hope that this forum, through high-level dialogues and quality cooperation, will start a new practice of exploring the direction of human civilization together.
Alexandre de Navailles commented that this forum is a testament to the long-standing active engagement between Europe and China. He stated that creating a new paradigm for global civilization is a collective mission. He looks forward to more cooperation, especially in the coming celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France.
The forum organized three sub-forums on topics including "Sino-European Cultural Exchange in the Post-pandemic Era", "Promotion of Humanities through the Olympics", and "Comparative Sino-European Philosophy and Civilization Dialogue". The first sub-forum was hosted by the Sino-European Cultural Exchange Center of Renmin University of China, the second by the Humanities Olympic Research Center, and the third by the Center for Contemporary Chinese Philosophy Development. Over thirty experts and scholars from countries including China, France, UK, Belgium, Hungary, Croatia, and Serbia participated in the discussions.
The Sino-European Civilization Forum emphasizes mutual respect, dialogue, cooperation, and the principles of equal mutual learning and benefits. Focusing on Sino-European cultural exchange and academic cooperation, the forum has made significant strides in deepening mutual understanding and has played a leading role. In the future, the forum will strive to be a top academic brand, reflecting the accomplishments nurtured through Chinese and European civilization exchanges in longer-lasting interactions and developments.
