The 2026 Nishan Forum on World Civilizations kicked off on September 28. During the event, Yang Chaoming, Distinguished Professor at the Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies, Shandong University and Vice President of the Chinese Confucian Society, was interviewed by journalists and shared his reflections on the contemporary relevance of the Confucian idea of "harmony in diversity" and on exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.

Yang Chaoming holds that the core of "harmony in diversity" lies not in "sameness" or "difference," but in "harmony." Every country in the world has its own distinct civilizational characteristics, yet all can jointly pursue harmony and stability, foster mutual respect among individuals, and advocate equal dialogue among nations. This perfectly embodies the principle of seeking greater common ground while setting aside minor differences. All civilizations ought to set aside arrogance and prejudice, conduct equal-footed dialogue, and explore rational paths for harmonious coexistence. For thousands of years, the Chinese nation has consistently upheld the ideal of "all under heaven is for the common good." This idea has far earlier historical origins. As far back as the era of Yao and Shun, the principle of "harmonizing the myriad states" was already articulated. Its ideological premise, namely to "illuminate eminent virtue, foster concord among the nine branches of the kindred, and bring order and refinement to the people," is fully consistent with that ideal and embodies the principle of "self-cultivation, family regulation, state governance, and universal peace." The teachings in The Great Learning during the Confucian period also elaborate on this identical philosophical framework. Accordingly, global harmony and stability can only be achieved when all nations prioritize the common good of humanity.