The 10th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations kicked off in Qufu, Shandong Province, this week, transforming the birthplace of Confucius into a buzzing hub of cross-cultural exchange. Over 500 scholars, diplomats, and thought leaders from 60+ countries and regions gathered to tackle one question: How can ancient wisdom shape our shared future?
Voices from the Stage
Dr. Li Xia, a philosophy professor from Peking University, set the tone: \"Dialogue isn’t just about speaking—it’s about listening. When we engage without prejudice, we find common ground in our humanity.\" Her words echoed through the open-air forum, where AI-powered translation earpieces bridged language gaps in real-time.
Youth Take Center Stage
A highlight came from 24-year-old Kenyan delegate Wanjiru Mwangi, who urged: \"Let’s stop calling traditions ‘old-fashioned.’ The tech generation needs roots to grow wings!\" The crowd erupted in applause as she showcased a digital archive preserving indigenous storytelling through VR.
Bridging East and West
Former UNESCO director Irina Bokova praised the forum’s hands-on workshops: \"Seeing students from Seoul to São Paulo debate Lao Tzu’s teachings over bubble tea? That’s globalization done right.\" Meanwhile, livestreamed panel discussions trended globally with #PhilosophyIsLit.
Voices from the Stage 
Youth Take Center Stage 
Bridging East and West
