The two-day 2025 International Forum on Mutual Learning Among Civilizations kicked off in Macao on December 16, 2025.
The event brought together over 50 delegates from government departments, representatives of international organizations, and leading experts and scholars from nearly 10 countries. It is hosted by the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macao, and supported by the Chinese Academy of History.
Centered on the core theme of "Mutual Learning Among Civilizations, Inheritance and Development," the forum will feature more than 20 keynote speeches and academic exchanges.
Wang Gang, Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, stated in his speech that the launch of the first forum coincides with the 20th anniversary of the inscription of The Historic Centre of Macao on the World Heritage List. This gathering of global friends, experts, and scholars here in Macao to discuss issues of civilization is particularly meaningful and timely. He emphasized that the forum serves as a vivid practice of President Xi Jinping's Global Civilization Initiative, creating a new platform for equal dialogue, mutual learning, and inspiration among different civilizations.
Wang Gang invoked the ancient wisdom: "A single flower does not make a beautiful spring; only when hundreds of flowers bloom together can the world be filled with the splendor of spring." He emphasized that only by embracing the principles of equality, respect, inclusiveness, and openness can we truly foster exchanges and dialogues among different civilizations. It is through such a process—seeking common ground while respecting differences and learning from each other's strengths—that we can achieve shared development and ultimately realize the vision of "each beauty thriving in its own uniqueness, and all beauties flourishing together."
He advocated for engaging with the world through culture, embodying the principles of "conveying ideals through culture, amplifying voices through culture, and nurturing people through culture." He further emphasized supporting Macao in leveraging its unique position as a confluence of Chinese and Western civilizations and a vital bridge connecting China with the global community. By exploring the distinct value of Macao's culture, Macao can serve as a pivotal window for the exchange and mutual learning between Chinese and Western civilizations. In this way, Macao will introduce to the world the exceptional culture that embodies Chinese characteristics, spirit, and wisdom, thereby enriching the global tapestry of civilizations.
O Lam, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, said in her address that Macao's unique historical context has fostered a distinct urban character marked by dignity and harmonious coexistence. She put forward two hopes: First, she hopes that guests and scholars would delve into Macao's cultural value, draw insights from its experience of civilizational mutual learning, and identify a replicable model for dialogue from its multicultural success. This, she said, would contribute a valuable "Macao Solution" to global civilizational exchanges. Second, she called on global stakeholders to use this forum as a launching pad to issue a "Macao Initiative." She appealed to them to approach different civilizations with equality and respect, and to champion dialogue and cooperation with an open and inclusive mindset, thereby enriching the vibrant tapestry of human civilizations.
Reporters: Wang Yongxing, Wu Caiqian
Script: Wu Caiqian
Cameraman: Qin Shaolong
Design: Lai Meiya
Video Editing: Liang Zijian
Editor: Liu Lingzhi, Liu Yongxian (intern), Liao Ying (intern), James Campion, Shen He
