Nishan Forum on World Civilization in Qufu, East China's Shandong Province Photo: VCG

"Where is human civilization heading?" This question was raised in an English short film as the 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilization officially opened in Qufu, East China's Shandong Province, on Wednesday. Over 500 guests from more than 70 countries and regions gathered at the forum, where words like "harmony," "diversity" and "dialogue" appeared frequently in their speeches as they explored the global significance and modern value of Confucian culture.

A notable highlight of this year's forum is the introduction of a youth debate program that has invited university debate teams to engage in discussions on topics such as traditional Chinese culture. By integrating the core values of Confucianism into these debates, the forum seeks to transform young people from passive observers of cultural heritage into active participants and interpreters. This initiative aims to deepen cultural identity among the younger generation and ensure the enduring transmission of traditional values, Zhang Fenglian, deputy head of the Shandong Academy of Social Sciences, said at a press conference about the forum. 

The forum is named after Nishan Mountain. About 30 kilometers southeast of Qufu, it is the birthplace of the great Chinese thinker and educator Confucius.

This year's forum, themed "Beauty in Diversity: Nurturing Understanding Among Civilizations for Global Modernization," emphasizes China's vision of preserving the diversity of human civilizations while promoting peaceful global development. During the two-day sessions, the forum is covering a variety of sub-topics, including the origins and future of civilization, the contemporary relevance of Confucian culture, global modernization, family and social development and the role of AI in shaping humanity's future, according to the organizing committee of the forum.

At the opening ceremony of the forum, Zhao Rui, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, stated that only through mutual respect and embracing differences can people all around the world break down the barriers of civilizational divides and build bridges of shared understanding. Chhem Kieth Rethy, senior minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia, called on all nations in the world to go beyond dialogue and toward co-creation, and treat civilization not as a soft topic, but as a foundation for resilient and peaceful societies.

Other experts and scholars from various countries emphasized the valuable aspects of Confucian thought in their keynote speeches. For instance, Riccardo Pozzo, a professor of History of Philosophy at Tor Vergata University of Rome, addressed that Confucianism can provide valuable solutions to bridge traditional and modern issues and solve modern problems. "Confucius said that by reviewing the old and learning the new, one can become a teacher. The importance of cultural innovation has indeed been recognized, as it complements social and technological innovation," said the expert.

The profound insights of past philosophers have sparked deep reflection among the younger generation. This year's forum has created a platform for young people to express themselves, aligning with Confucian culture's long-standing emphasis on critical thinking and debate. A youth debate is scheduled to take place on Thursday.

The inaugural youth debate will feature two sessions focusing on the themes of innovation and dissemination of traditional culture and youth development. Four teams from universities will be divided into two groups for the debates. Each debate will last approximately 40 minutes.

Jin Qianbu, captain of the debate team from Shandong University of Technology, will lead the team to discuss whether the innovative development of traditional culture should focus more on content or form. Jin told the Global Times on Wednesday that during their preparation for the event, they gained a new understanding of Confucian culture. 

"It is not only an accumulation from the past but also capable of showcasing its brilliance in the new era," said Jin. The university student realized that for young people, the most important thing is to learn qualities such as humility and tolerance from Confucian wisdom, and to apply them in daily life and work. This can help solve practical difficulties, such as how to handle interpersonal relationships with colleagues and classmates, or how to approach difficulties and challenges at work.

This event gave Jin the chance to meet outstanding young students from other universities, including talents from Shandong University, and to build lasting friendships. 

Members of the debate team from Shandong University told the Global Times on Wednesday that the event helped them recognize that many of the principles advocated by Confucian culture can have significant influence in promoting dialogue among global civilizations and inspiring educational thought. At the same time, these principles continue to provide Chinese wisdom for modern social governance and contemporary university education.