Kuwait and China celebrate International Day of Dialogue Among Civilizations through cultural exchange
Arabic and Chinese calligraphy event highlights cultural dialogue in Kuwait
The Kuwaiti Traditional Crafts Association, in cooperation with the Chinese Cultural Center in Kuwait, organized an event titled “Arabic and Chinese Calligraphy: Harmony of Strings and Ink” to mark the International Day of Dialogue Among Civilizations.
Held at the Chinese Cultural Center, the event featured exhibitions of Arabic and Chinese calligraphy alongside artistic and cultural performances that highlighted the values of dialogue, mutual understanding, and communication between civilizations.
By bringing together the beauty of Arabic calligraphy, traditional Kuwaiti crafts, Chinese calligraphy, and classical music, the event underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage and strengthening its connection with younger generations.
Speaking at the event, Yang Xin, Deputy Head of Mission and Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait, emphasized that despite geographical distance and cultural differences, China and Kuwait share common values of respecting cultural diversity and promoting mutual learning among civilizations.
He noted that cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have gained increasing momentum under the guidance of their respective leaderships, contributing to stronger bilateral ties and shared development.
Yang also highlighted recent cultural initiatives, including art exhibitions in China showcasing more than 100 works from the collection of Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah, which received widespread appreciation from Chinese audiences. He explained that the International Day of Dialogue Among Civilizations, observed on June 10 and adopted unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly in 2024, aims to promote respect for cultural diversity, strengthen cooperation among peoples, and encourage peaceful coexistence.
Dr. Al-Anoud Ibrahim Al-Sabah, Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Islamic Antiquities at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening relations between nations.
She noted that Kuwait and China have successfully built bridges of communication and understanding through cultural exchange, joint initiatives, and shared human values despite differences in language, customs, and geography.
Describing the International Day of Dialogue Among Civilizations as an opportunity to reflect on global challenges and promote intercultural understanding, she warned that the world continues to face issues such as hate speech, intolerance, division, and identity-based conflicts. She emphasized that dialogue is essential for ensuring a more secure and stable future and that no civilization can thrive in isolation.
Al-Sabah called for greater support for cultural initiatives, education based on openness, and the responsible use of media and artificial intelligence to spread knowledge and foster understanding among peoples. She also praised Kuwait and the Gulf states for promoting values of peace, dialogue, and mutual respect, urging societies to make dialogue a daily practice that begins within families and extends to schools, communities, and the wider world, viewing cultural differences as an opportunity to build a more humane, just, and resilient future.
— KUNA
