On 15th June, H.E Fan Yong, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana published an article named “Promoting China-Botswana Dialogue Among Civilizations for a Shared Bright Future” in Botswana media outlet “The Patriot on Sunday”, to give a briefing on the the Global Civilization Initiative and the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, and advance the deepening of cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and Botswana. The full article is as follows:

Today, there are more than 200 countries and regions and over 2,500 nations in this world. Human endeavors in production and life have nurtured many splendid civilizations that complement and inspire each other. They have made our global village diverse, colorful and vibrant, and our entire human society an indivisible community with a shared future.

Last year, with the unanimous support of all member states, the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution initiated by China and other 82 countries, which declares June 10 the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations. This echoes the common aspiration of people from all countries for promoting dialogue among civilizations and progress of humanity.

This resonance that transcends mountains and seas is a vivid testament to how the Global Civilization Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping have been transformed into global consensus. It not only demonstrates the firm support for multilateralism and the core status of the United Nations, but also sets an example for the harmonious coexistence of different civilizations and interprets the responsibility of a responsible major country in the era.

Over the past year, China has worked with other countries to implement the spirit of the resolution through a variety of vibrant initiatives. From the BRICS Dialogue on Civilizations, to Conference on Dialogue Between Chinese and African Civilizations, the world has witnessed that the creation of this international day is not simply about assigning significance to a single date, but about making dialogue among civilizations a systematic and regular practice. 

On 30th May, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana, Hon. Dithapelo L. Keorapetse and his delegation of Members of Parliament to participate at, and address the Fourth Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations held in Dunhuang, China. When delivering his remarks, Hon. Keorapetse highlighted the two countries enjoy close political and economic ties which has enabled cooperation in infrastructure development; human resources development; health; technical assistance; trade and investment, among others. He also emphasized that Botswana has always been part of the goals of the silk road and that the main elements of the Silk Road Spirit include, peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning, and mutual benefit.

China and Botswana are both civilizations with a rich and time-honored cultural heritage. We share many similarities in various aspects, such as respect for the elderly and care for the young, a commitment to consultative democracy, the pursuit of common prosperity, and a deep appreciation for the diversity of civilizations. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. Over the past five decades, the two countries have engaged in mutual learning and keeping drawn strength from our experiences. These efforts have continuously strengthened cultural and people-to-people ties and fostered a deeper mutual understanding between our civilizations. Today, China and Botswana are enhancing their cooperation in governance, working more closely towards the “Chinese Dream” and the “Botswana Dream” of realizing national development and revitalization.

In the face of the immense global impact from transformations unseen in a century, the value of civilizations has taken on an unprecedented significance, interactions among civilizations are of vital importance, and it is prime time to promote dialogue among civilizations.

At this pivotal juncture, China stands ready to work with Botswana to implement the GCI, uphold the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations, and let cultural exchanges transcend estrangement, mutual learning transcend clashes, so as to advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.