Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jenny Shipley says the teachings of Confucius and Mencius still offer profound relevance in today's complex world. Praising the Chinese initiative to establish the UN's International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, Shipley emphasized Mencius' vision of universal benevolence as especially inspiring. She sees striking parallels between Chinese philosophy and Māori wisdom, both of which value self-cultivation, harmony and resilience.

In uncertain times, Shipley believes that the reflections of ancient sages can still guide us through modern dilemmas, from AI to shifting global orders.