LIN Shangli: Promoting Understanding and Trust Through Dialogue Among Civilizations，Build a Better Future for Asia and the World

On the morning of March 28, at the “Strengthening Dialogue among Civilizations to Foster Understanding and Trust” sub-forum of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, Lin Shangli, President of Renmin University of China and Dean of the National Academy of Development and Strategy, delivered a speech, providing important insights and directions for global dialogue among civilizations and cooperation. The key points as following,

Dialogue among Civilizations: The Path to Peaceful Human Development

Lin Shangli pointed out that despite significant technological advancements, global governance continues to face challenges, and peaceful coexistence remains an unresolved issue. History has shown that civilizational exchange and mutual learning drive national development, making dialogue and understanding more crucial than ever in today’s world. Currently, global perspectives and the concept of nation-states dominate human life. However, President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind provide a clear direction for future progress, advocating for a global perspective and human consciousness. Amid technological changes and global transformations, civilizations should seize this opportunity to enhance dialogue and foster common development.

The Mission of Universities: Key Role in Exchanges and Mutual Learning with Other Civilizations

Lin Shangli emphasized that universities play a crucial role in civilizational exchange. They should embrace diverse civilizations and help students understand different cultures to shape humanity’s future. Chinese universities are undergoing a transformation, integrating wisdom from various civilizations into talent cultivation to adapt to the shift from the age of knowledge to the age of wisdom. Renmin University of China upholds the vision of “seeking progress for humanity and harmony for the world” and actively engages in civilizational exchange. The university promotes international talent development through institutions such as the School of Global Leadership and the School of Global Governance. It also establishes forums and research centers to strengthen international dialogue among civilizations and contribute to the construction of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind.

The Asian Solution: Dialogue among Civilizations Driving Global Development

Lin Shangli emphasized that the core mission of the Boao Forum for Asia is to promote dialogue among civilizations to address global challenges and advance human civilization. He presented three key ideas: First, enhancing mutual trust through dialogue among civilizations to prevent the politicization of values and solidify the foundation of the Community with a Shared Future for Mankind. Second, strengthening cooperation in technological innovation to overcome technical bottlenecks and position Asia as a leader in the technological revolution. Third, upholding multilateralism by promoting free trade and regulatory connectivity, amplifying the voice of developing countries, and fostering a fairer global governance system.

The Mission of the Era: Building a Better Future for Asia and the World

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, Lin Shangli pointed out that history has proven that those who seek common ground while preserving differences advance, and those who engage in exchange and mutual learning thrive. As Asia serves as a global economic growth engine and a hub of diverse civilizations, it must approach shared human challenges with unity, innovation, and a long-term perspective. He called for seeing the Boao Forum for Asia as a platform to build consensus, enhance dialogue among civilizations, and gather collective strength. By embracing differences to find common ground and respecting diversity to pursue greater harmony, humanity can move forward toward the goal of building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind and creating a brighter future for Asia and the world.

(Translated by ZHANG Yuqing; Proofread by YANG Fanxin)