“Promoting Cultural Prosperity through Mutual Learning among Civilizations”, deeply rooted in the wisdom of great thinkers such as Confucius, is more relevant than ever. In the modern world, multipolarity, economic globalization, and cultural diversity give us hope for progress, but at the same time increase instability. In these conditions, culture and civilization become as important drivers of the future as the economy and technology.

The diversity of human civilization is not just a characteristic of our world — it is its primary source of progress.Differences in ideologies, social systems, and development models should by no means become an obstacle to exchange, let alone a cause for conflicts. 

On the contrary, in the face of ongoing profound changes, the need to further promote mutual learning among civilizations is becoming increasingly evident. This is precisely why we must collectively reject the theory of a “clash of civilizations” advocated by some Western scholars.The course of history has repeatedly proven that without mutual learning among civilizations, barriers arise, increasing the risk of conflicts and wars.

We see that the concept of mutual learning contributes to building a community with a shared future for humanity. This concept aims at the well-being of all humanity, offering practical ways to establish partnerships based on equality and mutual understanding.

Our countries share a common vision: mutual learning among civilizations is the path to prosperity.President Xi Jinping, in his cultural and foreign policy approach, emphasizes that cultural interaction is not competition, but a bridge of mutual understanding. We see similar approaches in the policy of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoev, who considers cultural heritage and contemporary art as strategic resources for national development and diplomacy.

In today’s world, the following principles are of utmost importance:

• Equality and diversity are the foundation of cultural interaction.

• Inclusiveness is the driving force of mutual enrichment of civilizations.

• Peace, not conflict, is the only path to civilizational progress.

• Cultural diplomacy is an effective tool for strengthening mutual understanding.

• Global cultural order is a shared heritage needed by all humanity.

And our approaches are based on thosefundamental principles.

First, equality and mutual respect of cultures. All civilizations have equal value. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and none should be exalted at the expense of another. History shows that prosperity is achieved through exchange. The Chinese civilization was shaped over centuries thanks to mutual learning with other cultures — from the Great Silk Road to the diplomacy of the Ming dynasty.

In Uzbekistan, under the leadership of Shavkat Mirziyoev policies are being implemented to strengthen mutual respect of cultures through international festivals, restoration of UNESCO monuments, and the development of cultural ties within the “New Silk Road” initiative.

Second, inclusiveness as the driving force of mutual learning. As an ancient Chinese metaphor says: “The ocean is vast because it accepts all rivers.” This principle emphasizes that copying another culture without understanding its essence is harmful. Civilization draws strength from exchange, while preserving its unique identity.

Uzbekistan actively creates cultural platforms for such exchange — from the Tashkent International Biennale of Contemporary Art to touring programs of foreign theaters. The Director of the Art and Culture Development Foundation, Gayane Umerova, oversees projects that unite global cultural practices with national traditions, creating unique synergies.

Finally, we firmly reject the theory of the “clash of civilizations.” President Xi Jinping asserts that cultural diversity is a path to mutual understanding, not to conflict, and calls for embracing harmony and mutual development. Uzbekistan, in its cultural diplomacy, also defends this position, acting as a platform for intercultural dialogue — for example, at the Samarkand International Forum “The Path to a Common Future.”

Our shared principles find expression in concrete initiatives and projects.

China promotes the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), built on the principles of equality, dialogue, inclusiveness, and mutual respect. The country organizes forums on dialogue among civilizations, opens cultural centers, and conducts humanitarian programs.

Uzbekistan, through the Art and Culture Development Foundation, implements international exhibitions such as “Art and the Islamic World” and successfully cooperates with the British Museum and the Louvre. We are also actively restoring historical monuments in Samarkand, Khiva, and Bukhara, as well as hosting large-scale international festivals such as “Sharq Taronalari” and the Tashkent Film Festival.

All this is a manifestation of soft power. Cultural projects, archaeological research, art, and cinema help “give culture a voice” and deepen international mutual understanding. China and Uzbekistan use this soft power to strengthen their international positions, creating sustainable cultural ties. An example is the organization of joint archaeological expeditions under the Belt and Road Initiative and the exchange of exhibitions between museums in Beijing and Tashkent.

In conclusion,“A Community with a Shared Future for Humanity” and Uzbekistan’s initiative to establish a “Center for Global Intercultural Dialogue” share a common vector — uniting peoples through culture. Expanding joint projects between Uzbekistan and China, with the participation of neighboring regional countries, creates a model of sustainable cultural development accessible to all humanity.

This is the key to preserving peace and prosperity in the “China + Central Asia” format and to the success of President Xi Jinping’s global Belt and Road Initiative.

Auther: Tursunali Kuziev,First Deputy Director of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan

From: International academic symposium on Xi Jinping thoght on culture