Nishan Forum highlights Confucian wisdom for modern trials

(chinadaily.com.cn)| Updated : 2025-07-10

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During the 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilization held in Qufu Shandong from July 9 to 10, scholars from around the globe engaged in eight panel discussions on topics such as the origin and future of civilizations, the global significance of Confucian culture, the role of family in society, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on human civilization.

Confucianism, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese culture, was highlighted as a key source of wisdom for inter-civilizational dialogue. Iranian scholar Ehsan Doostmohammadi, associate professor at the Southwest University, noted that ancient Iranian values like truth, justice, and benevolence resonate with Confucian ideals, and that these shared principles can serve as a bridge for mutual understanding. He emphasized the importance of deepening intellectual exchanges between Iran and China.

The concept of "family" was also a focal point. Professor Yang Chaoming from Shandong University argued that the Chinese emphasis on family is rooted in the belief that social and global harmony begin with domestic harmony. He stressed that valuing family is essential to valuing humanity.

In the context of AI, Professor Branko Baron from ALGEBRA University in Croatia proposed the idea of "harmonious intelligence", suggesting that integrating Confucian ethics into AI development could promote coexistence between humans and machines. Additionally, Professor Jie Guangyu from Anhui University highlighted how Confucian values like "benevolence" and "trustworthiness" can address international disputes and drive economic growth.

The forum demonstrated that Confucian thought remains relevant in today's world, offering insight into global cooperation and ethical development in the face of modern challenges.