On June 13th, an article entitled Dialogue Among Civilizations: A Pathway to a Better Future authored by H.E. Chu Maoming, Chinese Ambassador to Dominica, was published in Dominica’s mainstream media The Chronicle. In the article, he introduced the Global Civilization Initiative and the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, and called for deeper mutual learning and exchanges between Chinese and Dominican civilizations.

Following is the full text of the article：

This Tuesday, we celebrated the first International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations of the United Nations. China, together with the UN, other international organizations, and numerous countries around the world, launched a variety of vibrant and engaging thematic activities, showcasing the beauty and power of dialogue among civilizations.

My President H.E. Xi Jinping has emphasized that civilizations have become richer and more colorful with exchanges and mutual learning. Last year, China, along with Dominica and over 80 other countries, jointly proposed the establishment of the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, which was unanimously adopted at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. This marked a significant step in jointly advancing the Global Civilization Initiative and a meaningful contribution to promoting equal exchanges and dialogue among different civilizations, thereby fostering peace and development across the world.

Dialogue among civilizations serves as a vital bond for seeking common ground while reserving differences. In today’s world, transformations unseen in a century are unfolding at an accelerated pace, and humanity is confronted with multiple challenges, standing at a crossroads of historic choice. Amid a volatile international landscape marked by intertwined upheavals and rising tensions triggered by international, ethnic, and religious conflicts, dialogue among civilizations has become a shared aspiration among peoples of all nations. China stands ready to work with Dominica and other members of the international community to seize the opportunity presented by the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, and under the guidance of the Global Civilization Initiative, continue promoting respect for cultural diversity and humanity’s common values. Let us replace division and conflict with unity and mutual trust, oppose unilateralism and bullying, and steadily broaden the path of human progress.

Dialogue among civilizations creates opportunities for common development. In the past, the ancient Silk Road connected Eastern and Western civilizations, enhancing interconnectivity across the Eurasian continent and advancing human development. Today, inspired by the Silk Road spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit, we are pooling wisdom and forging consensus to explore new ideas and tackle global challenges. Together, we are promoting high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative in a more substantive and impactful way, deepening practical cooperation across all fields, and providing shared inspiration and momentum for countries in their respective modernization journeys.

Dialogue among civilizations builds bridges of people-to-people communication. President Xi Jinping has repeatedly stated, “Friendship, which derives from close contact between peoples, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations.” Cultural exchange and emotional resonance are vital in fostering mutual understanding, friendship, and trust among nations. At the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, President Xi proposed the joint implementation of five programs, including the “Civilization Program” and “People-to-People Program.” China will host a conference on China-LAC inter-civilizational dialogue and continue to offer opportunities for study, training, and exchanges in China to CELAC members, including Dominica, so that our friendship may grow even deeper through mutual learning and cultural interaction.

Across the globe, countless civilizations shine in splendor—including those of China and Dominica. Since assuming my post, I have traveled extensively across the Nature Isle, where I have come to deeply appreciate how the people of Dominica, in their coexistence and struggle with nature, have nurtured a civilization of unique charm and vitality. On the other side of the world, Chinese civilization has flourished continuously over more than 5,000 years of history, contributing to global wisdom with its vast vision and inclusive mindset.

China and Dominica have long been steadfast advocates and active practitioners of dialogue among civilizations. Last year, during his meeting with Dominican Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, President Xi stated that China is willing to expand people-to-people exchanges with Dominica. Thanks to the care and commitment of both  leaders, people-to-people ties of our two nations have continued to thrive. Over the past year, the Hubei Provincial Ethnic Song and Dance Troupe and the Zhejiang Wu Opera Troupe visited Dominica and performed alongside local artists, leaving unforgettable impressions on many audiences. Traditional Chinese kites from Shandong Province flew side by side with Dominican kites in the blue sky over Portsmouth. The Confucius Classroom at Dominica State College has continued to offer quality Chinese language education to students and has organized youth study tours to China, allowing young Dominicans to experience China’s rich history and achievements in Chinese modernization firsthand. More Chinese tourists are visiting Dominica to explore the Caribbean paradise of their dreams.

We are confident that the momentum for advancing dialogue among civilizations will only grow stronger in the future. China stands ready to work with Dominica and all partners to uphold equality among civilizations, promote of exchanges among civilizations, and advance the progress of civilizations, as we jointly build a better and more harmonious human civilization for all.