In a keynote speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the meeting, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, emphasized that as the world is undergoing changes unseen in a century, the voices of people around the world seeking peace, development and cooperation are becoming louder.

　　However, the rhetoric of “cultural estrangement“, “cultural conflict“, and “cultural superiority“ occasionally resurface, underscoring the continued challenges in safeguarding cultural diversity and promoting global peace and development, said Cai, who is also a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee.

　　“Standing at a new historical crossroads, we must collectively explore diversified development paths, and continuously enrich the forms of human civilizations,“ he said.

　　He underlined the need for countries to jointly strengthen cultural inheritance and innovation, and actively promote the protection of cultural heritage and the development of cultural undertakings.

　　It is important to enhance cultural exchanges among countries to create a harmonious atmosphere of mutual learning and coexistence, Cai said.

　　United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a congratulatory message to the meeting, underlining the significance of dialogue in promoting peace and development.

　　Noting that cultural diversity is a powerful force driving mutual understanding and global unity, he called on countries around the world to join hands to resolve hatred with love, transcend differences through dialogue, and collectively build a diverse, harmonious, mutually supportive human family where everyone equally enjoys dignity and rights.