A special Exhibition entitled "Dialogue Among Civilizations" was recently hosted by China Media Group (CMG) at the United Nations headquarters in New York, aiming to deepen understanding among people of different cultural backgrounds from around the world.
The 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on June 7 unanimously adopted a China-proposed resolution, and designated June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. This event is the result of the resolution.
In introducing the draft resolution backed by more than a dozen other countries, China's permanent representative to the UN Fu Cong said the world is at an inflection point, noting dialogue among civilizations is imperative.
"In today's crisis ridden world with all kinds of threats to peace and development, we need more than ever to leverage the role of inter-civilization dialogue," said Fu.
"I think the fact that a media organization is hosting this gathering is extremely appropriate. Journalists and media workers have a pivotal role to play in building these much needed cross cultural understandings and conversations," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General.
"Armenia is honored to be among the core sponsors of the resolution initiated by China, designating a specific day dedicated to dialogue among civilizations. And we highly appreciate the constructive approach in addressing global challenges and advancing shared goals," said Mher Margaryan, Armenia's permanent representative to the UN.
Guests who gathered were treated to a celebration of cultural diversity, highlighted by an array of music from talented artists, including American trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.
"One of the highest arts is conversation, the ability to talk about other people's histories and traditions and to be able to empathize with another's position, even if you don't agree to be able to sit with the discipline to hear what someone else is telling you. And music teaches all of these things," said Marsalis, who is a nine-time Grammy Award-Winning Musician and composer.
Also featured was a variety of creative artworks, even a "harmonic heritage" themed global fashion show, featuring sustainable designs from nations as divergent as China, Egypt and India.
Many of the attendees and artists said the evening provided them with a sense of renewed hope that a less divisive world is possible.
Diego Pary Rodriguez, Bolivia's permanent representative to the UN said Bolivia and China have a big heritage.
"This is very important for dialogue, for strengthened relations, and for make better the life of the people in our countries," said Rodriguez.
"Cuba has been in part of this effort support together with some other countries. And obviously, China is leading that effort, and we are very happy to be part of that as part of the core group that was instrumental in pushing for the recognition of the International Day for the dialogue among civilizations," said Yuri Gala, Cuba's deputy permanent representative to the UN.
"Right now there's so much friction between countries and nations, and I think that art can bridge that friction and make people look at each other again as the same, you know, having human experience is very, very important," said Roberto Juarez, a visual artist.
Officials, artists have exchanges on civilizations at China-hosted exhibition
