First Anniversary of the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations and Peaceful Coexistence
The Hague | June 10, 2025
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in collaboration with Diplomat Magazine, hosted a reception at the emblematic Peace Palace in The Hague.
Held in the Peace Palace’s auditorium, the event welcomed a carefully selected group of guests from the diplomatic corps, international courts, media, and academia—creating a unique platform to honour the values of dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence.
The event began with opening remarks delivered by Mr. John Dunkelgrün, Editor of Diplomat Magazine, standing in for the magazine’s Publisher and Founder, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, who was unexpectedly abroad on a personal trip. In his speech, Mr. Dunkelgrün reflected on the importance of the day:
“Here, in the very halls of international law and diplomacy, we reaffirm our shared commitment to the permanent values of freedom, justice, dignity, and peace. In a world where these values are too often tested, dialogue among civilizations remains our most powerful tool—for managing differences, for building bridges, and imagining a future rooted in respect and shared humanity.”
The program continued with a short video highlighting the global call for intercultural dialogue, followed by a keynote address by H.E. Mr. Jian Tan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
In his address, Ambassador Tan recalled China’s role in proposing the UN resolution that established June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations—a resolution adopted unanimously by all UN member states in 2023. He praised the Peace Palace as a symbol of the international rule of law and emphasized that diversity is a strength—not a source of division.
“The International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations is meant for better understanding, enhanced cooperation and human progress, for peace and development. Each civilization has its own strengths,” the Ambassador stated. “There is no such thing as a superior or inferior civilization… Harmony is a salient feature of Chinese culture. Confucius said, ‘Do not do to others as you would not have them do to you.’”
He also reminded the audience of the importance of people-to-people exchange, and highlighted the deeper principle guiding China’s foreign engagement:
“President Xi Jinping in the Global Civilization Initiative put forward in 2023, said that China advocates the respect for the diversity of civilizations, advocates the common values of humanity: peace, development, equity, justice, democracy, and freedom.
Yes, these are common values, not exclusive to any one culture. They belong to all mankind. Dialogue is to break barriers and build bridges. Dialogue is to enhance understanding and cooperation.”
Ambassador Tan emphasized that China does not export ideology but rather seeks cooperation through trade and dialogue, and he praised the Netherlands for its global leadership in climate change adaptation. “ China will continue working with all other countries under the UN framework to build a world where diverse civilizations coexist, justice is upheld by law, and inclusiveness benefits all.”
Following the speeches, guests enjoyed a culturally inspired reception in the Peace Palace’s celebrated gardens, with refreshments reflecting Chinese culinary traditions and ample opportunity for diplomatic and cross-cultural exchange.
The event concluded with a warm acknowledgment of all attendees, including members of the International Court of Justice. Organizers expressed special appreciation for the presence of Judges and the Registrar, who were able to join following the conclusion of their duties.
With its iconic setting at the Peace Palace and its message of unity and dialogue, this commemoration marked a meaningful beginning to what is expected to become an annual tradition of intercultural understanding and global cooperation.
Diplomat Magazine is proud to have supported this historic moment and remains committed to creating platforms for diplomacy and intercultural exchange.
