On 9 June 2026, the Symposium on Shanghai and Global Civilizational Exchange and Mutual Learning and the launch of the Report on the Development of Global Civilization Exchange and Mutual Learning (2026) took place in SASS.
Chen Jing, President of the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, welcomed the publication of the Report, which coincided with the 2026 International Day for Dialogue among Civilization. He noted that the Report features numerous case studies of people-to-people diplomacy that provide vivid examples of global civilizational dialogue. He cited initiatives such as “Our Water”, which links rivers in China and abroad to create platforms for exchange and establish long-term mechanisms for civilizational dialogue. He also highlighted the conservation of the crested ibis and the development of related cultural and creative products and co-branded merchandise as examples of integrating ecological conservation, cultural creativity and commercial cooperation to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes in both cultural exchange and industrial development. These initiatives, he said, demonstrate Shanghai’s distinctive role in promoting global civilizational exchange and mutual learning. Looking ahead, the Shanghai Association for International Friendship will continue to deepen its engagement in people-to-people diplomacy, expand channels for exchange, innovate communication approaches, and better tell the stories of friendship between China and the rest of the world.
In his address, Professor Quan Heng, Secretary of CPC SASS Committee, noted that SASS has published its first Report dedicated to global civilizational exchange and mutual learning. This publication systematically reviews China’s experiences in promoting civilizational exchange with other countries, as well as relevant practices in Shanghai. It strengthens the theoretical foundation of people-to-people diplomacy, reflects the vision of the Global Civilization Initiative, and demonstrates Shanghai’s commitment to advancing civilizational exchange. Bringing together first-hand case studies, the Blue Book also showcases the close collaboration between think tanks and the media, further enhancing the effectiveness of international communication. SASS will continue to develop the Report series in the future. By drawing on people-to-people diplomacy and civilizational dialogue, it will promote mutual understanding between China and the rest of the world, share academic perspectives, amplify Shanghai’s voice internationally, and provide intellectual support for Shanghai’s development into a modern socialist international metropolis with global influence.
Hu Minghua, President of Shanghai United Media Group, stated that, guided by the principles of people-to-people diplomacy and mutual learning among civilizations, the Group has organized a range of international cultural exchange programmes, while leveraging the strengths of integrated media. It has continued to strengthen its international communication efforts and expand its global communication network. At the same time, it has integrated international reception activities with its external communication initiatives, fostering closer people-to-people ties through face-to-face exchanges and presenting authentic stories about China and Shanghai to international audiences. Looking ahead, the Group will work closely with all relevant partners to serve as an organizer, communicator and researcher in international cultural exchange, harnessing the power of the media to advance people-to-people diplomacy and promote mutual understanding among civilizations.
At the symposium, participants presented research on country and region studies, comparative literature, China Studies, and the practical application of the concept of civilizational exchange and mutual learning, focusing on the latest developments, opportunities and challenges facing global civilizational exchange.
