Bridging cultures: Insights from the 7th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo

The 7th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo, held in the heart of the Gobi Desert, has become a significant event for Chinese and international experts from South Asia, Central Asia and beyond. This three-day event has provided a platform for experts to discuss various issues related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and explore how these nations can learn from China's experiences.

Hosted by the Gansu Provincial People's Government of China, the forum's theme, "Implementing the Global Civilization Initiative and Deepening Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations," showcased a variety of panel discussions and expert recommendations.

Dunhuang, a city rich in ancient history along the Silk Road, serves as a major hub and junction for Central Asian and South Asian nations. Its cultural heritage and traditional significance attract tourists from around the world, making it an ideal venue for such a significant gathering.

During various panel discussions, experts shared their insights on how to achieve development goals in the context of China's Belt and Road Initiative and the historical economic and trading routes of the Silk Road. One of the most engaging panels, titled "Enhancing Strategic Mutual Trust and Promoting Regional Development," featured open discussions among experts. It began with opening remarks from Sha Yongzhong, vice president of Lanzhou University, who emphasized the forum's importance for both local and international experts.

In another session, "The Belt and Road Initiative Embarks on a New Decade," participants highlighted the significance of literary communication along the Silk Road for fostering mutual learning among civilizations. Experts from Central Asia and China presented detailed analyses and engaged in fruitful discussions.

Notably, leading expert Lola Sultanova, an associate professor at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, emphasized the need for teaching the Chinese language to facilitate smooth communication within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. Similarly, Mushtak Ahmad Galib from Bangladesh, an associate professor at Wuhan University of Technology, underscored the importance of people-to-people ties between China and South Asian nations, arguing that such interactions could drive high-quality development through Chinese-style modernization.

In another panel discussion, "Think Tank Exchanges and Enhancing the Cooperation Level of Strategic Policy Research Between China and Central Asia," leading expert from Tajikistan Marufjon Abduljabborov highlighted the cooperation between China and Tajikistan within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The panel on "Regional Issues and Governance in South and Central Asia" sparked interesting debates and provided valuable insights into the diverse challenges facing these regions. Li Li, vice dean of the Institute of International Relations at Tsinghua University, offered a comprehensive comparison of post-colonial influences in South Asian countries. She argued that by following the precedents set by East Asian nations, South Asian countries could enhance their self-reliance and become more self-determining.

Wang Xu, executive deputy director of the Center for South Asian Studies at Peking University, suggested strategies for economic enhancement and political stability in South Asian countries.

Pakistani scholar Nadeem Akhtar also presented insights regarding responses to new realities, focusing on security and development along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

In the context of an emerging multipolar world and the challenges faced by developing countries, the Eurasian perspective acquired considerable attention from participants. China's Belt and Road Initiative holds significant potential for Eurasian nations, allowing them to learn from China's development model and experiences.

Khussey Daurov, chairman of the Donggan Association of Kazakhstan, highlighted how Eurasian countries can adapt the Chinese model for their development and progress.

Experts from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan also contributed their insights, enriching the dialogue at the expo. The international cultural expo in Dunhuang not only brought together a diverse group of experts but also facilitated media interactions, promoting closer cooperation between China and these countries along the Belt and Road.

The 7th Silk Road International Cultural Expo underscored the essential role of cultural exchanges in promoting collaboration and mutual understanding among countries and nations. As countries immerse themselves in the complexities of globalization, initiatives like the BRI offer a promising framework for collective growth and shared prosperity. The insights gained from this expo serve as a valuable resource for policymakers and scholars alike, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Silk Road in bridging cultures and fostering dialogue.