On September 20, 2024, the 11th  "Peace Garden Peace Festival" and the "6th Global Youth Photography Competition Ceremony" jointly organized by UNESCO, China World Peace Foundation, China Federation of Radio and Television Social Association, Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation, Beijing Overseas Chinese Federation, Beijing Friendship Association, etc. were grandly held at the Peace Garden Museum in Beijing. This event is held around the theme of "Diversity and dialogue, Indispensable path toward global peace and development". More than a hundred political leaders, ambassadors, diplomatic envoys, representatives of international organizations, and international youth representatives from around the world gathered at Peace Garden to express their peace proposals and plans on how to strengthen exchanges, cultural interactions, eliminate conflicts, unite and cooperate, and promote common development in the current international environment.

Joint releases of peace doves at the opening ceremony

Representatives from various countries and regions who attended the event jointly released the peace dove, which symbolizes peace. Dr. Li Ruohong, Chairman of the China World Peace Foundation and Director of the Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation, announced the opening of the event and stated that the Peace Garden Peace Festival has been held for eleven consecutive sessions with the support of UNESCO and other countries, expressing people's common understanding of peaceful development and fully reflecting the spirit of cooperation through dialogue, exchange, and development. The six consecutive "International Youth Photo Contest" has also provided an opportunity for young people from all countries to understand and discover different cultures, and guide them to understand the significance of the "Silk Road" and their responsibility for the future. The Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation will continue to promote peaceful development through international public welfare.

Li Ruohong, Chairman of the China World Peace Culture Foundation, announces the opening ceremony

Mr. Shabahang, the representative of UNESCO headquarters, read out a congratulatory message from the Director General of UNESCO, Ms. Azoulay. The message expressed gratitude for the long-term commitment to promoting a culture of peace and cross-cultural dialogue, which is in line with UNESCO's mission to build peace in the hearts of men and women worldwide. Thank the Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation for its generous support of the UNESCO Silk Road Initiative.

Being responsible for peace means taking action on an individual level to overcome the flaws and injustices that continue to hinder us from achieving an equal world, because a planet eroded by division is a planet without peace.

Thank you for the close partnership we have established between us, and we look forward to further strengthening this partnership and contributing to a peaceful future.

UNESCO representative Dr.Shabahang reads out congratulatory message from the DG of UNESCO

H.E.Ms.Ramos, Assistant Director General of UNESCO, said in a video message: I would like to thank the Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation and its Chairman, Dr. Li Ruohong, for their support of UNESCO's dialogue and peace building initiatives, especially the Silk Road Initiative. This year's theme is the most important in today's global context. We are collaborating with the Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation to organize the annual " Youth Eyes on Silk Road" photo contest, which has now entered its sixth year. Since its establishment in 2018, the competition has invited young people from around the world to capture their views on the heritage of the Silk Road. This competition received over 4500 photos, allowing us to understand the shared heritage and diverse identities of the next generation. Let these photos from different perspectives inspire us to take action and work together to build a more harmonious and peaceful world.

H.E.Ms.Ramos, Assistant Director General of UNESCO, delivers a video speech

This Peace Garden Peace Festival places great emphasis on the development of international exchanges and cooperation. The "Good deeds disseminator" public welfare action jointly initiated by the China Federation of Radio and Television Social Association and the Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation has gradually deepened with the cooperation of media organizations in 100 cities and 100 Radio&TV stations.

Tong Gang, Vice President of the China Federation of Radio and Television Social Association, proposed in his speech:

In today's highly developed world of science and technology, the common destiny of humanity worldwide is closely related. Abandoning prejudice and seeking common ground, Adhering to the principle of equality and mutual benefit, allowing people from different countries, regions, races, and religions to progress and develop together, is the inevitable trend of future peaceful development. As an important practice of the United Nations sustainable development agenda among Chinese people, the "Peace Garden Peace Festival " has been held for 11 consecutive years, which has played a positive role in promoting multicultural exchanges and mutual learning and enhancing understanding and mutual trust among people of all countries.

As the home of the national broadcasting and television industry, the China Federation of Radio and Television Social Association hopes to use the exchange and mutual learning platform of the "Peace Garden Peace Festival" to promote the public welfare action of "Good Deeds Disseminators" through effective methods and means, hold high the banner of peace and cooperation, and jointly contribute intelligence and wisdom to building a peaceful world and a better future.

Tong Gang, Vice President of the China Federation of Radio and Television Social Association, delivered a speech at the event

To promote the construction of Beijing as an international consumption center city, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Commerce has introduced new measures for the development of Beijing's commerce to various countries.

In her speech, Liu Meiying, Deputy Secretary General of the Beijing Municipal Government, expressed and proposed that the Peace Garden Peace Festival is not only a grand festival, but also a resonance of the voice of peace, a bridge for civilized dialogue, and a bond for people to people communication; The Peace Garden Museum next to us, which gave birth to the Peace Garden Peace Festival, has witnessed the deep cooperation of multinational corporations, the wise exchanges of diplomats, and the cordial exchanges during the visits of leaders, winning the high praise of the international community as a "small United Nations".

Beijing has been a witness of peace and exchanges since ancient times. From the ancient Silk Road to the modern center of international exchanges, Beijing has always adhered to the concept of peace, friendship, exchanges and cooperation, and worked hand in hand with people from all over the world. Currently, Beijing is actively promoting the construction of an international consumption center city - making every effort to create four major international consumption experience areas including CBD and Sanlitun, making good use of the 144 hour visa free policy, and expanding new channels for international exchange; We Promote full coverage of external card POS machines in key commercial districts, scenic spots, etc., and ensure smooth global payment accessibility; We Introduce policies that benefit enterprises, and sincerely invite headquarters enterprises and brand first stores to settle in Beijing to seek new development together; We are committed to creating a culinary capital that gathers global flavors and attracts food enthusiasts to share their taste buds. Beijing's construction of an international consumption center city aims to promote the prosperity of the global consumer market, enhance international economic exchanges and cooperation, and promote global economic recovery and development with a more open attitude. It is suggested that everyone should adhere to the direction of inclusive economic globalization, work together to build the "Silk Road", support each other and seek common development,building a high-quality brand enterprise communication platform to support the international development of brands and provide assistance for brand enterprises to expand overseas.

Liu Meiying, Deputy Secretary General of Beijing Municipal Government, delivered a speech and put forward initiatives

H.E.Mr.Salim M. al Malik, Director General of ICESCO, stated in a video that we are aware of the continued importance of the International Day of Peace, as leaders representing different cultures, traditions, and civilizations from around the world rebuild our commitment to peace at all levels. In the current complex and tense international context which is full of conflicts and crises, we have a collective responsibility to think about actions and spread inclusive platforms centered on peace, promoting dialogue and human dignity. In recent years, China has played an increasingly crucial role in promoting peace, development, and stability around the world. The Silk Road has never been, and will never be, limited to a trade route. It is a channel for cultural and civilization exchanges. It will expand and build more global networks and multi-sector partnerships among Silk Road countries, and create a strong and convincing cause of peace within the existing framework of the "Silk Road" initiative.

Video Speech by H.E.Mr.Salim M.alMalik, Director General of ICESCO

H.E.Mr. Isam Sharaf, former Prime Minister of Egypt, said in a video: If a country or region on Earth experiences a problem, it will lead to a global crisis, and no country can face such a threat alone. Without global peace, there can be no global development. We can learn from China's Global Civilization Initiative, Security Initiative, and Development Initiative, which focus on promoting mutual understanding, reducing trust and security deficits, and effectively coordinating diversity understanding and cooperation. If these initiatives can be implemented, I believe we can achieve the noble goal of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Former Egyptian Prime Minister H.E.Mr.Isam Sharaf delivers a video speech

Former Minister of Information and Culture of Pakistan, H.E.Mr.Mushahid Hussain, stated in a video that President Xi Jinping has put forward the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and perhaps the most important development and diplomatic initiative of the 21st century, the Silk Road Initiative. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor plays an important exemplary role in it, and we are proud of our friendship and cooperation with China over the past few decades, as it is a cooperation based on mutual interests, win-win outcomes, and people-oriented development. The Peace Garden Peace Festival initiative has been of great help in promoting the concept of a new world order. As the world is changing, as President Xi Jinping has said, we are facing great changes that have not been seen in a century. In this transformation, China's role is crucial because it is the only country that has not colonized or invaded other countries, but has risen peacefully. Therefore, the friendship between Pakistan and China is a guarantee of peace, progress, and prosperity.

H.E.Mr.Mushahid Hussain, former Minister of Information and Culture of Pakistan

In a video speech, Her Excellency Ms. Sujata Koirala, former Prime Minister of Nepal, said that in an increasingly interconnected world, dialogue and cooperation play a crucial role in promoting global peace and development, and are the foundation for building understanding, cooperation, and harmonious coexistence in society. Promoting open dialogue helps to resolve conflicts and is committed to creating a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous future.

Video Speech by Her Excellency Ms. Sujata Koirala, Former Prime Minister of Nepal

In her video,H.E.Ms. Annette Nijs,  Global Vice President of the Asia Pacific CEO Association, former Minister of Education, Science and Culture of the Netherlands, and President of Global Executive Board of BSN, said that today's theme of "Diversity and Dialogue" reminds us of the legendary story and lesson of people building the "Tower of Babel". As long as humans maintain dialogue and strive to understand each other, they can cooperate and achieve great success in the world. We all have different languages and cultures, promoting open dialogue and building a more harmonious and mutually understanding world will help us cope with the challenges of today's world. Building bridges to peace.

Video Speech by H.E.Ms. Annette Nijs, Former Minister of Education, Science and Culture of the Netherlands

In his speech,H.E. Mr. Parakhat Durdyev, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to China, said: "Dialogue is the guarantee of peace". Its purpose is to unite the international community, strengthen the tradition of peaceful and trusting coexistence of people of all countries, use dialogue and cooperation to solve global challenges, and build a better conflict free future for future generations. As the Vice President of the upcoming 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Turkmenistan will continue to adhere to the principles of neutrality, non-interference, and preventive diplomacy to strengthen political interaction, ensure sustainable economic growth, deepen humanitarian relations, and jointly address challenges and threats to regional and global security.

Turkmenistan Ambassador to China H.E. Mr. Parakhat Durdyev delivered a speech

H.E.Mr. Sohail Khan, Deputy Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, stated in his speech that today, humanity is facing economic, geopolitical, cultural, and environmental crises. Faced with the unstable modern international relations system and interdependence, countries must act together. The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have diverse cultures and long traditions, and hold a cautious attitude towards culture and universal values. The SCO region is the homeland of civilizations of various ethnic groups around the world, including China, Russia, Turkic, Persian, and Hindu. Since its establishment, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has been envisioned as an organization that facilitates dialogue among world civilizations. The ancient traditions and rich cultures of countries around the world will become a unified factor for future cultural interaction, mutual respect, and cooperative development.

H.E.Mr. Sohail Khan, Deputy Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, delivered a speech

Arab League Beijing Office H. E. Ambassador Ahmed Mustafa Fahmy Hafez said in his speech: History tells us that there are no winners in war, and peace is the common pursuit of humanity. In recent years, under the "Silk Road" initiative, Afghanistan and China have continuously strengthened cooperation in various fields. This cooperation not only promotes the economic development of both sides, but also makes a positive contribution to regional peace and stability. Peace is not just the absence of war, but also a state of harmony, inclusiveness, and cooperation. We should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, respect cultural differences, resolve differences and disputes through dialogue and consultation, and jointly build a harmonious world.

Arab League Beijing Office  Speech by Ambassador H.E. Mr.Ahmed Mustafa Fahmy Hafez

The African experts and scholars at the International Seminar on "Rediscovering the Ancient Route and Interaction between China and Africa" held at the Peace Garden Museum the day before discussed the broad space for China Africa cooperation and development based on historical basis and development theory, and provided theoretical and development support for the "Silk Road". They released the results of this China Africa Seminar at the Peace Festival.

Dr. Ali from Africa and experts and scholars from various countries

The 6th International Youth Photo Contest was announced and exhibited by UNESCO experts and representatives at the ceremony. This is a visual research and education project organized by the Beijing International Peace Culture  Foundation and UNESCO for six consecutive years and designated by UNESCO as the common cultural heritage of the "Silk Road". From the perspective of young people, look at and discover the important existence of intangible cultural heritage and culture of the "Silk Road", and build a harmonious and peaceful social environment through understanding, solidarity and cooperation. This year, outstanding works will be selected for exhibition from tens of thousands of entries and will be exhibited globally.

International Youth Photo Exhibition

This year marks the successful application for World Heritage status for Beijing's central axis. In order to promote the dissemination of world cultural heritage and Chinese cultural heritage, representatives from various countries unveiled the plaque for the "Great Wall Reception Hall" at the foot of the Great Wall. At the same time as promoting the city brand on site, leaders and representatives of Taiyuan City presented a compilation of excellent cultural programs from Taiyuan Radio and Television Station to ambassadors from various countries and representatives of international organizations. Tianjin Flying Pigeon Vehicle Industry Co., Ltd., Fulong Holdings Group, and Fujian Zhenghe Tea Enterprises also promoted the coordinated development of Beijing Tianjin Hebei, green cycling, ice and snow Winter Olympics, and the Maritime Silk Road, and participated in peace and public welfare actions. They call for more social forces to participate in public welfare actions, allowing representatives from various countries to see the international sentiment and spirit of social responsibility of Chinese enterprises.

Peace Culture Public Welfare Interaction

The event came to a successful end amidst the united and peaceful voices of international youth.