Du Zhanyuan meets foreign members of Orchid Awards Expert Committee
Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), held a meeting in Beijing on Tuesday with foreign members of the Orchid Awards Expert Committee.
Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), holds a meeting with foreign members of the Expert Committee of the CICG-established Orchid Awards in Beijing on April 25, 2023. [Photo/CICG]
The Orchid Awards, established by CICG, recognize and honor non-Chinese individuals or organizations worldwide dedicated to fostering cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world, as well as encouraging mutual learning among Chinese and other civilizations.
Du, who also serves as the chairman of the Expert Committee of the Orchid Awards, welcomed the visitors to CICG. During the meeting, he emphasized the vital role of cultural exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations in dispelling differences and barriers, especially in light of the current challenging and complex global situation. Du further explained that the awards aim to facilitate exchanges and strengthen people-to-people connections between China and the rest of the world. He expressed his hope that Chinese and foreign members of the Expert Committee would collaborate to achieve this objective.
Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), holds a meeting with foreign members of the Expert Committee of the CICG-established Orchid Awards in Beijing on April 25, 2023. [Photo/CICG]
Speaking on behalf of the foreign experts, James B. Heimowitz, president of China Institute in America and council chairman of its Confucius Institute, expressed gratitude to CICG during the meeting. He acknowledged the important role of both CICG and the awards in fostering international exchanges and dialogue. Heimowitz emphasized that while inter-governmental dialogues are indispensable, people-to-people exchanges and interactions hold even greater importance. He suggested encouraging people from all nations to cultivate stronger bonds and enhance their understanding of one another.
Foreign members of the Expert Committee of the Orchid Awards visit an exhibition detailing the history of China International Communications Group (CICG) in Beijing on April 25, 2023. [Photo/CICG]
The inaugural Orchid Awards received a total of 347 applications from approximately 80 countries and regions.