No way to turn the cultural clock back

The world has reached a turning point in history

This year could prove to be an important turning point in the history of the world, as it could decide whether we go forward or move backward, stick to the right course or go astray, depending on how we handle the emerging challenges, some of which are unprecedented. Political leaders across the globe, especially those of major countries, therefore need to have an acute sense of historical responsibility, for the fate and future of millions are in their hands. As for intellectuals, they should be aware of where the world is headed to from here, and work together to facilitate reason to prevail over anti-reason.

To conclude, as Audrey Azoulay, director-general of UNESCO, said at the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations earlier this year in Beijing that, in face of the current situation of the world, we need to adopt the correct approach to the issue of civilizations as a way to safeguard world peace.

Which reminds me of what President Xi said in Paris five years ago: He quoted the inscription on the stone wall at the entrance to UNESCO headquarters that reads, since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed. And referring to the establishment of UNESCO, the president said that people hoped to promote inter-civilization exchanges to dispel estrangement, prejudice and hatred, and spread the seeds of the idea of peace-the aspiration and vision deserve our renewed commitment.

Five years on, we are convinced the spirit of inter-cultural exchanges applies perfectly to the situation we face today. And judging from what's happening of late, since the Osaka Summit for example, we can be cautiously optimistic for progress rather than regression.

The author is the editor-in-chief and publisher of China Daily. This is an excerpt of his keynote speech for the 15th CAFIC Annual with the 11th IAIR Biennial Conference held from July 7 to 10.