Nishan Forum explores how ancient wisdom can address modern challenges

Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius in east China's Shandong Province, has once again become a meeting place for global dialogue as scholars, officials and cultural representatives from around the world gathered to discuss how civilizations can coexist and cooperate in a changing world.

The 12th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations opened on Monday under the theme of "Civilization, Order and Justice," bringing together officials, scholars and cultural representatives from around the world to discuss the future of human civilization.

Held in Nishan, where Confucius was born more than 2,500 years ago, the forum focuses on Confucianism's contemporary value, global governance, dialogue among civilizations and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping humanity's future.

The discussions come as the world faces growing questions over how different civilizations can coexist, how global governance can build broader consensus and how humanity can preserve shared values amid rapid technological development.

At the opening ceremony, Suos Yara, vice chairman of the Commission for External Relations of the Cambodian People’s Party Central Committee, said civilization, order and justice are closely connected.

"These three are not separate issues," Suos said. "Civilization gives humanity identity and wisdom, order provides conditions for peaceful coexistence, while justice maintains this order."

The Nishan Forum provides a platform to turn the principles of civilization, order and justice into meaningful dialogue and explore ways to build a shared future for humanity, he said.

The importance of dialogue among civilizations was also highlighted by Yusuf Raza Gilani, chairman of Pakistan's Senate.

In a video address, Gilani said great civilizations can transcend time and borders and engage in dialogue with all humanity, describing Confucius as a thinker who transcends his era.

Citing the Confucian concept of "harmony without uniformity," Gilani said civilizations should respect each other while maintaining their own characteristics.

"May Confucius' wisdom continue to inspire us," he said. "The most enduring bridges are not built only with bricks and steel, but with knowledge, friendship and people's hearts."

As the birthplace of Confucianism, Nishan has long served as a platform for exploring how traditional ideas can contribute to contemporary discussions.

Confucius developed a philosophy centered on values including benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and trustworthiness, while concepts such as "harmony without uniformity" and "the world as one community" have continued to influence discussions on social relations and global cooperation.

Jin Minqing, a member of the Leading Party Members Group of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and head of the Institute of Contemporary China Studies, said Confucian ideas have traveled across time and space, offering insights into how different civilizations can interact.

The forum's focus on "Civilization, Order and Justice" responds to major issues facing the world today and carries important theoretical and practical significance, Jin said.

The connection between Confucian thought and modern exchanges was also highlighted by Thomas Bach, the ninth president and honorary president for life of the International Olympic Committee.

In a video address, Bach recalled his visit to Confucius' hometown several years ago, saying he saw similarities between Confucian philosophy and Olympic ideals.

"That visit allowed me to truly see that Confucian thought and Olympic ideals have many things in common," Bach said.

He noted that Confucius valued the comprehensive development of both body and mind, which he said echoed the ancient Roman idea that "a healthy mind resides in a healthy body."

The forum, Bach added, allows Confucian wisdom and the Olympic spirit to engage in dialogue and creates a bridge for further exchanges.