To celebrate the second International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations on 10 June and the upcoming traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang and his wife Counsellor Hua Mei, hosted a cultural exchange event with hands-on experience on 15 June themed “The Echoes of Dunhuang and the Rituals of the Dragon Boat Festival: Dialogue among Civilisations”. The event brought together representatives from the UK government, women’s organizations, and foreign diplomatic envoys to the UK.
A video address delivered by Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, to the 2026 Event to Celebrate the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations was played at the event. In his video address, Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out that today, human civilization is grappling with unprecedented challenges. We must improve mutual understanding and trust through more dialogue, and build solidarity and consensus through more exchanges, which are the essential building blocks of a community with a shared future for humanity. We should champion mutual respect and promote harmonious coexistence of civilizations. We should champion putting the people first and cement the foundation of exchanges among civilizations. We should champion both heritage and innovation to drive the progress of civilization. We should champion exchanges and mutual learning and improve mechanisms for dialogue among civilizations.
In his remarks, Ambassador Zheng Zeguang noted that, three years ago, President Xi Jinping put forth the Global Civilization Initiative, advocating greater exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations worldwide. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has elaborated on the great significance of strengthening dialogue among civilizations under the current international circumstances and put forward China’s proposals in his video address. China has a splendid civilisation with over 5000 years’ history. China is ready to have more dialogues and exchanges with the UK and other countries, to grow mutual understanding and friendship, inject certainty and positive energy into this volatile world, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
The programme of the event also featured talks on Dunhuang culture and the traditions and customs of the Dragon Boat Festival. Qi Xiaoqing, an expert from the Dunhuang Academy, and Frances Wood, a British scholar on Dunhuang studies, delivered in-depth presentations and engaged in dialogues, helping guests gain a deeper understanding of the long history, artistic achievements, cultural exchanges and integration, and efforts in cultural heritage preservation. A diplomat from the Chinese embassy introduced the history and cultural traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival and dragon boat racing in the UK, vividly demonstrating the vitality and appeal of cultural exchanges between China and the West.
Guests also enjoyed traditional Chinese delicacies such as zongzi and took part in hands-on activities such as making scented sachets and traditional bracelets. Through these activities, they gained a deeper appreciation of the profound heritage and rich spiritual values embodied in Chinese civilization, while enjoying the delights of cultural exchanges.
