Shandong recently witnessed a coming together of minds to discuss how countries can unite to build a better future for mankind at the fifth Nishan Forum on World Civilizations in Nishan, Qufu city from Sept 26 to 27.

Altogether 263 prestigious scholars were invited to share their insights at the forum, including 91 from 25 overseas countries and regions, and covering research fields in multiple disciplines such as Confucianism, international politics, religion and anthropology.

They agreed upon the importance of cultural communications and exchanges in promoting the advancement of humanity and world peace.

"We must realize that human beings share the same planet, and only with the awareness that humans have a lot in common with each other can we effectively dissolve the disputes and conflicts caused by culture differences," said Chen Lai, dean of the Academy of Chinese Learning, Tsinghua University.

Jaime Vatter, president of the University of Saint Thomas in Chile, also observed that cultures should seek common ground while reserving differences to build a more harmonious world.

Moreover, outstanding aspects of traditional Chinese culture, including Confucianism, were believed by all present to be a powerful ideological and cultural driver for the coming together of world civilizations.

John B·Cobb·Jr, member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, claimed that traditional Chinese culture offered an answer to the ecological disasters caused by modern civilizations.

Professor Huang Yushun, vice dean of the Advanced Institute of Confucian Studies, Shandong University, also believed the pursuit of such Confucian values as benevolence and justice can contribute to the building of a community of a shared future.

"Shandong, as the hometown of Confucius, is an important cradle of traditional Chinese culture. It will shoulder its responsibility of promoting the creative transformation of the culture and serve as a qualified envoy between China and other civilizations," said Liu Jiayi, Party chief of the province.

In addition to forums and speeches, the two-day event also saw some dialogues between mayors of eight cities involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, which was the first in its history.

The opening ceremony of the fifth Nishan Forum on World Civilizations in Nishan, Qufu city on Sept 26. [Photo/Xinhua]