International Forum on Mutual Learning among Civilizations opens in Macao

The 2026 International Forum on Mutual Learning among Civilizations opens in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Monday.

The forum brings together nearly 300 participants from more than 20 countries and regions. During the forum, participants will discuss how cultures learn from one another, with topics ranging from the ancient Silk Road to the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cultural exchange.

Sam Hou Fai, chief executive of the Macao SAR, Zheng Xincong, head of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR and Bian Lixin, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Macao SAR, attended the event.

Opening the forum, SAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said China's Global Civilization Initiative offers a way to address persistent cultural divides. He also cited Macao's history on the Maritime Silk Road and added that the city would continue to promote dialogue across cultures.

With a focus on the theme "Mutual Learning Among Civilizations, Inheritance, and Development," the two-day forum will discuss topics such as the Maritime Silk Road, the past and future of cultural exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and AI and human values.