Dialogue between civilizations needed more than ever

Today, the modern world is convulsed by geopolitical tensions and faces problems from the growing divergence of the national interests of states. The growing trust deficit and the reemergence of the Cold War mentality mean that constructive dialogue is at a premium.

Humanity has once again reached a crossroads in history.

Inequality in the world is approaching the levels of the early 20th century. The wealthiest 10 percent of the world's population has 52 percent of global income, while the poorest of the world's population receive only 8.5 percent. This has contributed to the spread of the most radical and militant ideologies in the poorest countries, intensifying interethnic conflicts and fostering the activities of terrorist, separatist and extremist organizations in various parts of the world.

Simultaneously, the ubiquity of internet communications and the unprecedented scale and speed of the development of new technology mean that we now live on a "platform planet", where societies extend beyond the boundaries of a specific space as social ties are formed through identity markers and broad political affiliations that extend across borders.

One characteristic feature of the modern world is its diversity and multifaceted nature. In modern times, as people emigrate, travel and form mixed families, the world is increasingly becoming a melting pot of cultures. While such cultural interconnections in major cities can create opportunities for economic growth, innovation and creativity, they can also lead to misunderstanding, prejudice and discrimination.

As countries worldwide grapple with common challenges in the pursuit of peace, development and modernization, the call for solidarity, cooperation and intercivilizational dialogue to foster closer ties among people is stronger than ever.

In this regard, the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping is very timely and a sincere plea for deep intercivilizational exchanges and dialogue to promote inclusivity and mutual learning. The initiative aims to explore the possibilities of creating a global network for intercivilizational dialogue and cooperation, enriching the content of exchanges, and expanding collaboration to spur mutual understanding, respect for the diversity of civilizations and friendship among the people of all countries.

It is important to note that China is not only the initiator of the Global Civilization Initiative, but also an active practitioner in implementing it, as evidenced by the strengthening of China's leadership in establishing trusting, mutually beneficial, and mutually respectful relations with Central Asian countries.

China and the countries of Central Asia are setting an example for a new type of friendly interstate relations. Full-fledged interaction with China, one of the world's largest investors and its second-largest economy, serves as a long-term factor for the security and sustainable progress of Central Asian countries.

Central Asia, situated at the heart of the Eurasian region and connecting its north and south, east and west, possesses all the prerequisites, conditions and opportunities to establish itself as a crucial transportation hub in Eurasia, contributing to global trade, intercivilizational exchanges and the worldwide advancement of science and technology.

It is important to note that, under the priority given by Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the development of mutually beneficial relations with Central Asian countries, the region has strengthened political dialogue, cultural-humanitarian ties, mutual trust and people-to-people connections. Solutions based on reasonable compromises have been found for issues that persisted in the decades since the Central Asian countries gained independence, such as cross-border water usage and the delimitation of state borders.

Friendship stemming from close contact between the people of different countries is the key to robust interstate relations. Interpersonal and cultural exchanges have always been a crucial bridge for mutual understanding and trust between countries and peoples.

Currently, people-to-people diplomacy within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which unites almost half of the world's population, serves as the solid foundation for further strengthening the relations of good neighborliness, friendship and preserving and promoting cultural diversity and cooperation.

Today, the spirit of the Silk Road, which has been revived within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and is characterized by peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning, mutual benefit and win-win results, continues to illuminate the future path of mutually beneficial relations and provides rich nourishment for the friendship between the countries of Eurasia. It is a spirit that needs to be passed from generation to generation.

The author is former director of the International Institute of Central Asia and former secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.