Kenya, China advocate cultural exchange at International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations

Leaders from Kenya, China and the United Nations have called for greater dialogue among civilisations as a means of promoting peace, mutual understanding and sustainable development in an increasingly interconnected world.

The call was made during the commemoration of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations held at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), where diplomats, policymakers and development experts gathered to discuss the role of cultural exchange in addressing global challenges.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said dialogue among civilizations is essential in building a community with a shared future for humanity. She highlighted China's commitment to the Global Civilization Initiative, which promotes mutual respect, people-centered exchanges, preservation of cultural heritage and greater learning among nations.

Ambassador Guo noted that civilizations can coexist harmoniously despite their differences and emphasized that cultural exchanges provide a strong foundation for international cooperation and development.

Kenya's Permanent Representative to UNON and UNEP, Ambassador Ida Odinga, underscored the importance of unity, tolerance and cooperation among nations. Citing the late Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai, she said dialogue among civilizations offers an opportunity to bridge differences and work towards common goals.

Odinga called for greater investment in education as a tool for fostering understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, noting that the world faces growing challenges that require collective action and shared solutions.

The event also featured a presentation by Zheng Degao, Vice President of the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design, who outlined China's progress in implementing the New Urban Agenda. He highlighted efforts to build people-centered, innovative and environmentally sustainable cities while improving access to housing, healthcare, education and public services.

In a video message, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on countries to promote mutual respect, people-to-people exchanges, cultural innovation and stronger mechanisms for dialogue among civilizations. He said these efforts are critical to advancing global peace, development and modernization.

The commemoration was further enriched by cultural performances from the Gansu Performing Arts Group, showcasing China's rich artistic heritage and the historical legacy of the ancient Silk Road.

Participants also attended a screening of Tale of the Night, a Chinese film presented by the Hunan Provincial Film Administration and the Hunan International Communication Center. The screening follows the launch of the "China-Hunan Film Week Comes to Africa (Kenya)" initiative in Nairobi on June 9, 2026, aimed at strengthening cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties between China and Africa through cinema.

The event forms part of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and reflects growing efforts to deepen cultural cooperation, mutual learning and understanding between nations.