[November 10, 2012, New York]

Today, international violent political strife persists, territorial disputes show signs of escalating, and the much talked about “Clash of Civilizations” could indeed become the greatest threat to world stability, unless drastic new steps are taken to reconcile our sharp differences.

With this disquieting scenario in mind, and in an effort to bridge cultural, religious and philosophical differences between divergent civilizations, the China Energy Fund Committee (CEFC) is now hosting a two-day forum, which began today, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, called the New York Forum on World Civilizations, with the theme, “Harmony based on shared values – beyond national identities and beliefs: dialogue between Confucianism and Christianity.”

Over 20 leading Western and Chinese scholars addressed the forum, including Prof. XU, Jialu, Vice Chairman of the Ninth and Tenth Standing Committees of the National People’s Congress (NPC), who delivered its keynote speech.

Mr. CHAN, Chauto, Chairman Representative and President of the CEFC, emphasized in his speech that the Forum adheres to the “Nishan Declaration of Harmony”, promoting cooperation between different civilizations, and advances the cooperatives envisioned by the “United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio +20)”, which highlights the increasing role of civil society and people-to-people diplomacy in reinforcing mutual understanding and cooperation.

The occasion marked the first time that a Chinese think tank was allowed to host an event of this kind at the UN Headquarters. Mr. WU, Hongbo, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, congratulated CEFC IN a written speech.

Prof. XU, who is also President of the Organizing Committee of Nishan Forum said, “If we only focus on the reality and cruelty in the journey of human growth, we often sink into anguish and fear, because we have not found the solutions for the consequences caused by humans. Cultural diversity and today’s cultural conflicts seem to increase the unknown regarding humanity’s future. Nevertheless, if we analyze the origins of various beliefs by thorough historical study, we may find out that all of humankind shares the same wishes and goals. And this is the beginning of finding a way to solve problems. From this starting point, we can achieve the original intention of the great men of the Axial Age by thinking, debating and exploring. Their intention was ‘peace and cosmopolitism in the world’.”

Dr HO, C.P. Patrick, Deputy Chairman and Secretary General of CEFC, emphasized that the format of the Forum neither resembles academic lectures nor group discussions. Instead, it is a series of one-on-one dialogues between prominent scholars, and is therefore interactive and challenging. It requires the participants to be frank and truthful. Apart from expressing their own views, they are also to genuinely listen to different voices, respect other civilizations, and seek harmony. Ultimately, the experience reveals the benefits and value of cross-cultural and cross-civilizational dialogues. “We are clearly aware that to reveal oneself is not an easy task, but pursuing harmony, seeking common ground and be tolerant of difference is the spirit of this Forum.”

Dr. HO pointed out that Confucianism and Christianity are two of the biggest civilizations in the world. Dialogue between them will be pivotal to promoting communication and understanding leading to a new harmonious relationship in this globalized world.

“Through this pioneering event, it is hoped that it would pave the way for future dialogues between Confucianism and other civilizations. Launched in one of the world’s most culturally-diverse and cogent landmarks, the Forum is an unusual opportunity for religious leaders and experts from different nations to speak up and discuss the key relevance of Confucianism and Christianity in our modern age. Ultimately, the discussion should lead to expositions on universally-treasured human values that are considered essential to the building of a harmonious world.”

The discussions were separated into five main topics. Today, the forum attracted over a hundred scholars and graduate students from famous universities and research institutes of China and the United States.

Other prominent speakers from China include Ven. Master Xue Cheng, Vice President in Executive of the Buddhist Association of China (B.A.C.); Mr. LIU, Changle, Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Education, Science, Culture, Health and Sports, and Chairman and CEO, Phoenix Satellite Television Holdings, Ltd., JP; Prof. CAO, Weidong, Vice President, Beijing Normal University; Prof. HUANG, Pumin, Executive Dean and Professor of School of Chinese Classics, Renmin University of China; Prof FU, Youde, Chairman of the Department of Religious Studies, Shandong University; Mr. ZHANG, Jiyu, Member of the Standing Committee, the National People's Congress and Vice President, Chinese Daoist Association etc.

The prominent Western speakers include Cardinal McCARRICK, Theodore E., Archbishop Emeritus of Washington; Prof. SWIDLER, Leonard, Founder and President of the Dialogue Institute: Interreligious, Intercultural, International; Mr. HACKETT, James T., Former Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas; KOHN, Livia, Professor Emerita of Religion, Boston University; Dr. BORELLI, John, Former Consultor to the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue; Dr. McLUHAN, Eric Marshall, Cultural Scientist, University of Toronto etc.