On 12th June, 2023, the Nation, the largest-selling newspaper in Seychelles, published an article entitled Promoting People-to-People Exchanges and Mutual Learning to Advance the Progress and Development of Human Civilizations—Mr. Mu Jianfeng, Chargé d'affaire of the Chinese Embassy in Seychelles talks about the Global Civilization Initiative. The full text is as follows:
At the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting on March 15th, 2023, H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of the People’s Republic of China, delivered a keynote speech and proposed the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI).
President Xi pointed out, as the future of all countries are closely connected, tolerance, coexistence, exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations play an irreplaceable role in advancing humanity's modernization process and making the garden of world civilizations flourish.
GCI is the third major global initiative presented by China after the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative.The initiative has become another important public good provided by China to the world.
GCI advocates the respect for the diversity of civilizations. Countries need to uphold the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations, and let cultural exchanges transcend estrangement, mutual learning transcend clashes, and coexistence transcend feelings of superiority.
GCI advocates the common values of humanity. Peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom are the common aspirations of all peoples. Countries need to keep an open mind in appreciating the perceptions of values by different civilizations, and refrain from imposing their own values or models on others and from stoking ideological confrontation.
GCI advocates the importance of inheritance and innovation of civilizations. Countries need to fully harness the relevance of their histories and cultures to the present times, and push for creative transformation and innovative development of their fine traditional cultures.
GCI advocates robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. Countries need to explore the building of a global network for inter-civilization dialogue and cooperation, enrich the contents of exchanges and expand avenues of cooperation to promote mutual understanding and friendship among peoples of all countries and jointly advance the progress of human civilizations.
GCI aims at promoting people-to-people exchanges and mutual learning to advance the progress and development of human civilizations. There is no doubt GCI will inject strong impetus into China-Africa cooperation in advancing humanity's modernization in the new era and building a China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.
Seychelles is a multiracial and multicultural country. The unique Creole culture is formed by the fusion of Asian, European and African cultures, which is a vivid demonstration of exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations.The Sega, the Moutya dance and the coexistence of cultures with various background are all precious treasures of Seychelles. The annual Creole Festival brings a splendid feast of culture for all the residents and tourists in Seychelles.
Chinese culture is an integral part of Seychelles multi-culture. I’m glad to see that the Chinese community has integrated into Seychellois society and made their contribution to local economic and social development. Over the past decade, during the Chinese New Year, the "Seychelles-China Day" jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy, relevant Seychelles departments, and Chinese community in Seychelles, has become an important platform for local people to feel the charm of Chinese traditional culture and the deep integration of Chinese and Seychellois culture. In this regard, we believe the China bazaar held earlier this year has left you a deep and happy memory with the Chinese food, handicrafts, and culture show. The Chinese government offers scholarships to Seychellois students every year. Many Seychellois students have benefited from the scholarships. I am glad to see some of them have become artists, diplomats, architects, journalists, etc. contributing to the development of Seychelles, as well as China-Seychelles friendship. Recently, Mr. Francis Woodcock, an excellent representative of the Seychellois China alumni has participated in the 7th China-Africa Youth Festival held in China, experiencing again the exchanges and mutual learning among Chinese and African civilizations. The ongoing“My Dream” Painting Competition for African Youth has attracted widespread attention and participation, and the Seychellois youth have taken it as a great opportunity to express their strong interest in the outer space and their desire to “fly to space”. Since 2014, the Confucius Institute jointly established by China’s Dalian University and the University of Seychelles, has taught many Seychellois friends to speak Chinese. The Chinese Language Day and the Chinese-Bridge (Chinese Proficiency) Competition have attracted many Seychellois young friends, demonstrating the attraction of Chinese culture. With the declaration of end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency by the World Health Organization, we believe China-Seychelles cooperation in people-to-people and cultural exchanges will be further broadened and enriched.
It is our hope that with the concerted efforts by China and Seychelles, the GCI will be further promoted across the world, contributing to the mutual learning of different cultures. This endeavor will definitely expedite the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and the advancement of world peace and development.