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IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
How the Global Civilization Initiative promotes peace and understanding
Ambassador Wu Peng delivers opening remarks at the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, emphasizing China's long-standing commitment to intercultural dialogue and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. Image: Supplied On June 10, 2025, the world observed a historic milestone: the inaugural United Nations International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. At a time marked by escalating geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, and cultural misunderstanding, this day arrived not as a symbolic formality, but as a timely call for solidarity, mutual respect, and shared development. In a video address to the global commemorative event, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi - representing a country long committed to intercultural exchange - reaffirmed the urgency of dialogue. Quoting President Xi Jinping's vision, he emphasized that: 'civilizations are the bond of peace, the driver of development, and the bridge of friendship.' His remarks encapsulated the essence of the Global Civilization Initiative, which President Xi proposed in 2023, calling for the promotion of common human values and mutual learning among civilizations. A video message from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, played at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria, highlighted the role of civilizations as bridges of friendship, drivers of development, and bonds of peace. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The Value of Civilizations in a Changing World As Minister Wang noted, the world is undergoing profound transformation. The 'changes unseen in a century' are reshaping global dynamics and societal structures. In this context, civilizations are not just cultural relics; they are reservoirs of wisdom offering insights to address global challenges. During a commemorative event held at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria on June 12, South African leaders shared their perspectives on the relevance of civilizational dialogue in today's world. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Member of the ANC National Executive Committee and former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, emphasized that dialogue builds respect, friendship, and understanding - particularly among diverse civilizations. 'We learn from each other's civilizations and from present challenges alike. We thank China for proposing this day at the UN, and we hope to learn more from their experience in lifting millions out of poverty.' Yinan Zhao with Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Member of the ANC National Executive Committee and former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, during the commemorative event in Pretoria. Dr. Dlamini-Zuma praised China's role in promoting civilizational respect and peace. Image: Supplied She stressed that peace is especially important for vulnerable populations: 'Where there is peace, women are safe. Where there is war, it is women and children who suffer the most. So, peace through dialogue is critical - especially for women.' Ambassador Gert Grobler, former senior South African diplomat and Honorary Professor at Zhejiang Normal University's Institute of African Studies, praised the long-term vision behind President Xi's initiative. 'This is a constructive move, an initiative by President Xi two years ago at the UN,' he said. 'Everything in this world revolves around dialogue. We need to talk more. We need to have more dialogue.' Grobler added that the International Day serves as proof of China's deep commitment to promoting global peace, development, and stability.'Equality, development, and people-to-people exchange - these are happening already and will continue under this important and constructive initiative.' Professor Busani Ngcaweni, Director-General of South Africa's National School of Government, highlighted shared values between China and South Africa, including the principle of resolving conflicts through diplomacy. 'A dialogue among civilizations means a dialogue among equals,' he noted. 'It is based on mutual respect—something our two nations have always emphasized.' Ngcaweni drew on his recent experience leading a governance training delegation to China, saying, 'We are learning from China's strategies for tackling poverty, inequality, and unemployment. But most importantly, we are learning how to govern more effectively.' From Vision to Action The adoption of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations by the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in June 2024 - jointly proposed by China and 82 other countries - reflects a growing global consensus. It institutionalizes a truth that has long been intuitive: understanding one another is the first step toward peaceful coexistence. China's support for hosting global platforms, along with its domestic efforts to enhance cultural exchange, including language learning and academic partnerships, underscores its commitment to building bridges, not walls. A Shared Garden of Civilizations As President Xi has said, 'diversity spurs interaction among civilizations, which in turn promotes mutual learning and further development.' His metaphor of a 'garden of world civilizations' reflects an inclusive vision, where different cultures flourish side by side, each adding their own unique beauty to the global landscape. At a time when narrow nationalism and ideological polarization threaten global cohesion, initiatives like the Global Civilization Initiative offer much-needed hope. They challenge us to choose connection over confrontation and cooperation over conflict. As a journalist based in Africa, I have witnessed how these ideas resonate deeply on the continent. From the Ubuntu philosophy of human interconnectedness to vibrant innovation ecosystems, Africa - like China - understands that civilizations thrive not in isolation but through dialogue. On this first International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, let us recommit to the principles of equality, respect, and cooperation. Let us build a world where diversity is not feared but celebrated, and where every voice adds meaning to our shared story. ⦁ Joyce-Yinan Zhao currently serves as the Acting Bureau Chief and Chief Correspondent of the CMG Johannesburg Bureau. With extensive experience working and reporting across the African continent, she has developed deep insights into the economic, cultural, and social cooperation between China and Africa. Drawing on her profound understanding of local cultures and her professional journalistic expertise, Joyce-Yinan Zhao is committed to presenting Africa's authentic voices and remarkable stories to a global audience, while contributing to a broader media platform for China-Africa engagement. * Yinan Zhao is Acting Bureau Chief and Chief Correspondent of China Media Group, Johannesburg Bureau
Russia Today
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
New South African ambassador to US will be ‘fit and proper'
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola said the person replacing expelled South African ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, would be a capable South African who is fit and proper for the position, regardless of race. 'As for whether the ambassador to the US should be white or black, the ANC is a non-racial organisation,' Lamola said during a media briefing following the ANC NEC meeting in Boksburg over the weekend. Lamola, who is a member of the ANC National Executive Committee, added: 'We are going to look for a capable South African—someone we believe is fit and proper and meets the requirements to serve as ambassador to the United States or any other country to which we wish to deploy them.' Rasool returned to Cape Town last week after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expelled him from the USA, declaring him 'persona non grata' . This was after comments he made during a webinar, in which he criticised the Trump administration for cosying up to white supremacy. ANC deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane confirmed that Rasool's report on his expulsion had been received but did not indicate whether any action would be taken against him. 'We have received reports of the work that he had actually done and it was an unfortunate situation at what had occurred and I think where we are now is to move forward,' Mokonyane said. 'The government processes have been utilised, where he was called to account, and we are satisfied as the ANC that it is time for us to move forward and work harder and more united to find a better mechanism of protecting and representing the South Africa that we want,' Mokonyane added. IOL News previously reported that former South African Ambassador Tony Leon called for a 're-evaluation and strategic engagement' with the US government following the ongoing diplomatic fallout between South Africa and the US. READ MORE: US expulsion a 'badge of dignity' – South African envoy Leon criticised the conduct of former ambassador Rasool, suggesting that personal opinions should not overshadow the responsibilities of diplomatic representation. 'For an ambassador to express personal opinions is problematic,' he said. 'An ambassador's role is to represent their country's interests, and if Rasool was instructed to attack the US administration, he was deviating from his primary duty. Diplomats must adhere strictly to government policy, regardless of personal beliefs.' READ MORE: Are white farmers really persecuted? What's behind the US-South Africa spat Leon said the issues extend beyond individual conduct and emphasised that South Africa's foreign policy has failed to adapt to the shifting dynamics of international relations. 'Even if we had a diplomatic superstar, that person would still face challenges due to our current policies. We need to justify these policies to align with out national interests,' he said. When asked about the potential for diplomacy to mend relations following South Africa's legal action against Israel, Leon was sceptical. 'At the moment, South Africa has chosen a particular alignment that complicates our relations with the US,' he said. He pointed to the successful diplomatic engagement of South African labour leaders with the US as a contrasting example of effective diplomacy. Leon advocated for a more nuanced approach to diplomacy, avoiding confrontational tactics. 'There are ways to engage that don't resort to megaphone diplomacy. We must explore the root causes of our differences and seek solutions,' he added. First published by IOL
