During the 2024 China International Confucius Cultural Festival, the "Journey of Global Confucian Temples and Academies for Tracing the Origin" was held in Qufu, east China's Shandong Province, the birthplace of Confucius. As part of this event, the "Declaration on the Conservation and Inheritance of Confucian Temples and Academies" was released – the first of its kind in the world.

Cultural custodians, scholars, and experts from countries like China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, France, Germany, Belgium, and Singapore participated in in-depth discussions on preservation strategies, the contemporary relevance of Confucian culture, and shared their experiences. The declaration reflects a consensus on core principles, strategies, and the long-term vision for the protection of Confucian temples and academies.

The declaration emphasizes that the Confucian temples and academies that originated in Qufu are vital cultural symbols and physical representations of Confucianism. It calls for collaborative efforts to preserve, pass on, and utilize this invaluable heritage to promote the traditional culture and foster dialogue between civilizations.

It also urges all Confucian temples and academies worldwide to prioritize the authenticity and integrity of their heritage and surrounding environment. The declaration encourages enhanced international cooperation through events such as the Confucius Cultural Festival, to strengthen cultural exchanges and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.