This photo taken on June 10, 2025 shows the 2025 Hehe Civilization Forum held in Bangkok, Thailand. Over 500 participants from Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America gathered in the Thai capital on Tuesday for the 2025 Hehe Civilization Forum to embark on discussions promoting mutual understanding, deepening cross-cultural engagement, and jointly addressing global challenges through civilizational dialogue. (Xinhua)
BANGKOK, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Over 500 participants from Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America gathered in the Thai capital on Tuesday for the 2025 Hehe Civilization Forum to embark on discussions promoting mutual understanding, deepening cross-cultural engagement, and jointly addressing global challenges through civilizational dialogue.
In her keynote speech at the opening ceremony, Sun Chunlan, president of the International Confucian Association, emphasized that the theme of the forum, "Harmony and Coexistence: Promoting the Prosperity and Progress of Civilizations," carried significant implications. Held on the first UN-designated International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, the forum also served as a major cultural exchange initiative marking the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic ties in 2025, she said.
Sun called for a civilizational perspective that respects diversity; a governance philosophy that promotes constructive international engagement; an ecological approach that seeks harmony between humanity and nature; and a development vision committed to inclusive and equitable growth.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Phumtham Wechayachai noted that the concept of harmony is deeply rooted in both Thai and Chinese civilizations. He called for respect for civilizational diversity and joint efforts to build a peaceful and inclusive world through shared responsibility and cooperation.
During the forum, participants exchanged views on strengthening mechanisms for civilizational harmony. They agreed on the importance of sincere engagement based on equality and mutual respect, as well as the need to embrace diversity and seek common ground through constructive dialogue aimed at achieving a shared future centered on human well-being.
The 2025 forum was co-hosted by the International Confucian Association and the Thai-Chinese Cultural Relationship Council. In addition to the main forum, four parallel sub-forums were held, participated by scholars, university presidents, youth representatives, and entrepreneurs, respectively. ■