By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
The China Cultural Center in Nigeria hosted a significant commemorative event titled “Conversation and Connection” on Tuesday, June 10, to mark the first official International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations.
The event spotlighted the importance of cross-cultural understanding, music as a universal language, and deepening ties between China and Nigeria.
The celebration, which took place in Abuja, featured speeches from high-ranking Chinese and Nigerian officials and included virtual addresses from Beijing.
His Excellency Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered a virtual keynote, stressing the global importance of fostering mutual respect, dialogue, and cultural cooperation among civilizations.
Wang highlighted the recent adoption of China’s resolution at the 78th United Nations General Assembly, which designated June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations. The resolution was unanimously passed on June 7, 2024, affirming that the heritage of every civilization is part of humanity’s shared legacy and underlining dialogue as a vital force for global peace, development, and mutual learning.
“The establishment of this day,” said Wang, “is not just a milestone for China’s Global Civilization Initiative, but a timely response to rising global challenges from peace deficits to governance instability. It is a call to build bridges, not barriers.”
H.E. Zhang Yi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, also addressed attendees, thanking partners and stakeholders who have championed China-Nigeria cultural ties. Zhang emphasized the growing cooperation between both nations in areas such as education, tourism, and creative industries, describing the relationship as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a term jointly endorsed by Presidents Xi Jinping and Bola Tinubu during the latter’s visit to China last year.
Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy who was represented by Mrs. Nseno Emeim commended China’s initiative and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing cultural diplomacy.
She noted that both nations, as ancient civilizations, have a shared responsibility to promote harmony through cultural synergy and people-to-people exchanges.
He noted that this year’s event, themed “Conversation and Connection, is symbolic with connecting Hearts, Dialogue with the World through Music”, drawing from the Chinese concept of Zhi Yin, which symbolizes deep mutual understanding and rare friendship. Music served as both a metaphor and medium throughout the program weaving together Chinese pipa tunes and Nigerian rhythms to embody the spirit of global unity.
“As music traveled from the plains of Africa to the mountains of China, it reminded us that even across vast distances, melodies connect where words sometimes fail,” remarked Zhang.
With 2026 declared the “China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchange,” both China and Nigeria have vowed to deepen collaboration in culture, education, tourism, and creative sectors. These efforts, speakers agreed, will help build a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future.
The celebration concluded with cultural performances, symbolic exchanges, and renewed diplomatic commitments to championing intercultural respect and understanding in a fragmented world.
