Experts, scholars discuss path to sustainable development

Experts and scholars gathered at a think tank forum in the Spanish capital Madrid on Nov. 9 to discuss the economy, culture, and sustainable development in the 21st century.

Experts and scholars attend a think tank forum in Madrid, Spain to discuss economy, culture, and sustainable development in the 21st century on Nov. 9, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

About 20 government officials, experts, and scholars from China, the U.S., Spain, and other countries attended the China-Europe-America Think Tank Cooperation Forum. 

Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), speaks at a think tank forum in Madrid, Spain, on Nov. 9, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

In his speech, Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), said that amid challenges to world peace, development, and global governance, dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations provide an effective and reliable way for humanity to resolve conflicts and achieve shared development. 

Recognizing the value of think tanks as sources of ideas and platforms for international exchange, Du called for Chinese and Spanish think tanks to deepen cooperation and cultural exchange on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Spain.

Javier Solana, former Spanish foreign minister and former secretary general of NATO, speaks at a think tank forum in Madrid, Spain, on Nov. 9, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

Javier Solana, former Spanish foreign minister and former secretary general of NATO, said that the world today is grappling with major challenges, and it is imperative for China, Europe, and the U.S. to shoulder the responsibility of global governance. He said China and Europe should establish an open and stable relationship, and put aside their differences and engage in candid dialogue to enhance mutual trust.

Yu Yunquan, president of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS) under CICG, said that dialogue can generate wisdom and think tanks can help build platforms for dialogues on the economy, politics, and culture, and strengthen communication between China and the rest of the world.

Participants at the forum agreed that decoupling and supply chain disruption will only exacerbate conflicts in the world, and the key to enhancing mutual understanding among different civilizations lies in communication and exchange.

After the forum, a research center jointly established by ACCWS and Spanish think tank Dialogue with China Project was inaugurated. CICG Europe-Africa and Dialogue with China Project also signed a cooperation memorandum, aiming to build a bridge of dialogue between China and Spain.

The China-Europe-America Think Tank Cooperation Forum is comprised of a series of forums jointly organized by ACCWS and the China-Europe-America Global Initiative.  

A research center jointly established by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies and Spanish think tank Dialogue with China Project is inaugurated in Madrid, Spain, on Nov. 9, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

CICG Europe-Africa and Spanish think tank Dialogue with China Project sign a cooperation memorandum in Madrid, Spain, on Nov. 9, 2023. [Photo/CICG]