On June 10, the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations hosted a high-level event at United Nations Headquarters in New York to mark the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. Held under the theme “Exploring New Pathways for Dialogue among Civilizations and Jointly Writing New Chapters for Global Governance,” the event was co-organized by the Permanent Missions of Armenia, Colombia, Ethiopia, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, and Mexico, as well as the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Nearly 300 participants, including high-level representatives from various countries and senior UN officials, attended the event.

Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, delivered a video address. He stated that the establishment of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations is an important step to translate the Global Civilization Initiative into actions. He emphasized the need to champion mutual respect and promote harmonious coexistence of civilizations; champion putting the people first and cement the foundation of exchanges among civilizations; champion both heritage and innovation to drive the progress of civilization; and champion exchanges and mutual learning and improve mechanisms for dialogue among civilizations.

In a written message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that dialogue among civilizations should be used to foster unity and help build a more just and peaceful world. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for UNAOC, called for bridging differences through dialogue and advancing cooperation. On behalf of the President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, Sofia Borges, Chef de Cabinet of UNGA President, emphasized that dialogue among civilizations is integral to upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter Colombian President Gustavo Petro stressed the importance of drawing wisdom from dialogue among civilizations to address global challenges.

Participants spoke highly of China’s Global Civilization Initiative and its contributions to promoting dialogue among civilizations. They share the view that exchanges and mutual learning can help build consensus and that all parties should join hands to create a brighter future.

In June 2024, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution proposed by China designating June 10 each year as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.