Mr. Chair,

China welcomes H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein, Foreign Minister of Iraq, to host today's meeting.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the evolution of the once-in-a-century changes we are already experiencing. With the interplay of geopolitical conflicts, climate change, food shortage, energy crisis and other global challenges, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and changes, and humanity is now standing at a new crossroads. In the face of the new situation and challenges, we should give full play to the role of ancient civilizations, make full use of the platform of the Forum of Ancient Civilizations, draw strength from the profound wisdom of time-honored civilizations, work together to solve various problems, and provide greater inspiration for world peace and human progress.

We must adhere to true multilateralism. Multilateralism is the common choice of humanity after the scourge of war. We must uphold one system, that is, the international system with the UN at its core, and uphold one order, that is, the international order underpinned by international law. This is the consensus of the international community and serves the common interests of all countries.

We must resolve conflicts through dialogue. History and reality tell us that dialogue between civilizations is an effective way to resolve differences and stop conflicts. We should actively advocate dialogue between civilizations, oppose the clash of civilizations, and encourage the resolution of international disputes and hotspot issues through dialogue and negotiation. The core of China's Global Security Initiative is to champion the common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. Only by valuing the security of others and maintaining the security of all, can we truly achieve our own security.

We must work together in addressing challenges. Human civilization is moving forward precisely because of our joint efforts in resolve one challenge after another. In response to the current global development dilemma, China has proposed the Global Development Initiative with 32 concrete measures in eight key areas, covering poverty reduction, food security, anti-epidemic and vaccine, climate change and other key aspects of the 2030 Agenda. On September 20, the ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends of the GDI was successfully held. China hopes that more countries will join the Group of Friends and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.

We must continue to expand practical cooperation. Such cooperation is the foundation for the Forum’s development. We should continue to enrich and improve the "roadmap for action" and take substantive steps in the institutionalization of the Forum and practical cooperation. China supports the gradual enlargement of the Forum with admission of new members, and enhancing dialogue and cooperation with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and other relevant institutions. China is ready to strengthen cultural cooperation, so as to continuously inject impetus into the development of the Forum.

Mr. Chair.

Over the past five years, the Forum started from scratch and continued to grow. As a co-founder of the Forum, China will work hand in hand with member countries to ensure substantive and steady development of the Forum, and contribute to the building of community with a shared future for humankind.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.