Dear fellow students,
Good afternoon!
It's a pleasure to be here at the opening ceremony of “the Munich Diplomacy Summit”.On behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Munich,I wish to congratulate you on the convening of the Summit!
It is heartening to see that so many young students here care about global issues and China's role in addressing them. The theme of the summit is “Ties that Shape Tomorrow-Bridging Differences, Building Futures”. In an era of rapid change and in a world marked by ongoing regional conflicts, this theme is of particular importance. It is of close relevance to peace, security, development and progress of the mankind.
What kind of world should we build, and how should we build it? And how to create a bright future for the mankind? China’s answer to this fundamental question is that we should build a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind.
President Xi Jinping initiated the vision of building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankindin 2013. From the Belt and Road Initiative to the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, the practice of building a community with a shared future for mankind has been continuously making new contributions to global peace and development, and injecting valuable stability and positive energy into a world of chaos and turmoil and gaining widespread recognition and welcome from the international community.
Here I wish to particularly mention the GlobalCivilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2023. The GCI advocates the respect for the diversity of civilizations, advocates the common values of humanity, namely peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom, advocates the importance of inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and advocates robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. The Initiative represents a significant effort by China to advance dialogue and exchange among civilizations, and gives answer to the question-how to strengthen “the Ties that Shape Tomorrow-Bridging Differences,Building Futures”.
Two years ago, the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution proposed by China and 82 other countries,designating June 10th of each year as the “International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations”.This represents another significant step in the implementation of the Global Civilization Initiative and reflects the shared aspiration of people around the world to advance dialogue among civilizations andpromote human progress.
Our planet is home to more than 200 countries and regions and over 2,500 ethnic groups. Diversity is a fundamental feature of the world and the charm of human civilization. We are different from one another,yet we each have our own distinct merits and strength, and thus can learn from each other,complement one another,and makeprogress together. In Chinese civilization, we always value harmony in diversity, seeking common ground while reserving differences, embracing inclusiveness, and pulling together in times of trouble. Cultural differences should not be the cause of global conflicts but rather a driving force for human progress. The existence of diverse civilizations makes our global village vibrant and full of life. From the camel bells along the ancient Silk Road to today's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, history and reality have repeatedly shown that dialogue among civilizations serve as a bond for peace, a driving force for development,and a bridge for friendship.
Looking across the globe,changes unseen in a century are rapidly unfolding, and humanity once again stands at a crossroads of history. China is willing to contribute its wisdom to the world and demonstrate the commitment of a major country in the new era.
Dear Young Friends,
You are the bridge-builders of tomorrow. I have no doubt that you will continue playing an active role in fostering understanding among civilizations. The Chinese Consulate General stands ready to support you in becoming changemakers in global governance, pioneers in sustainable development,and contributors to world peace and progress.
Before I conclude, I wish to provide you with two pieces of information: first,China has extended the one month visa-free policy to many countries including Germany. Second,China has launched the “Young Envoys Scholarship” program,which offers students a three-year, multiple-entry visa (F-category) and financial support to study and engage in cultural exchanges in China. You are encouraged to make full use of these opportunities to visit and experience China in person, discover China’s dynamism, diversity, and dedication to a shared future.
Thank you and wish the summit a complete success!