Athens Hosts China-Europe-America Think Tank Cooperation Forum 2025

On May 27, 2025, Athens, Greece, became the hub for the "China-Europe-America Think Tank Cooperation Forum Athens Dialogue 2025.” This significant event attracted over 30 distinguished guests from various nations including China, France, Italy, and the United States, all gathered to engage in vital discussions.

The core theme of the forum was "Dialogue Between Ancient Civilizations for Global Progress," organizing a broad array of topics that emphasize cooperation and mutual learning across cultures. Among the notable subjects discussed were "Cultural Heritage Preservation and Sustainable Development," "Exchange Between Ancient Civilizations, Mutual Learning and Progress," and "The Light of Ancient Civilizations: Historical Legacy and Modern Innovation in Beijing and Athens."

The event was co-hosted by several influential organizations including the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS), the Information Office of Beijing Municipality, and the China-Europe-America Global Initiative. This wide-ranging collaboration reflects the commitment of these entities towards fostering cooperative cultural dialogue.

The opening ceremony was graced by prominent figures including Lina Mendoni, Greece's Minister of Culture; Yu Yunquan, Vice President of the China International Communications Group; Lai Bo, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Greece; and Nikolaos Stampolidis, Director of the Acropolis Museum. Their speeches underscored the importance of cultural preservation and the constructive dialogues between nations.

Mendoni highlighted the transformative wisdom embedded within ancient Chinese and Greek philosophies, noting how such insights have served as cornerstones for contemporary political, social, and educational paradigms. She advocated for the establishment of cultural initiatives that bolster shared global values, envisioning a mutually beneficial exchange between nations.

Yu Yunquan made pertinent remarks concerning the commonalities shared by Chinese and Greek civilizations. He urged both cultures to leverage traditional wisdom to offer critical intellectual solutions aimed at eliminating warfare and addressing pressing global challenges. His focus was also on amplifying mutual exchange and innovation between technology and culture.

In alignment with the forum’s commitment to collaboration, Lai Bo discussed the fruitful outcomes of cultural exchanges between China and Greece, which have included the establishment of Confucius Institutes, various cultural and tourism initiatives, and cooperative ventures in heritage preservation. He pledged China's dedication to enhancing collaborative efforts in language education and cultural exchange with Greece as a means to continue strengthening ties.

At the forum, Nikolaos Stampolidis called upon the global community to unify their efforts in returning cultural artifacts and ensuring the integrity of cultural heritage. He emphasized that both nations should increase cooperation in diverse domains such as technology sharing, academic exchange, and public education—key components in advancing restoration projects for cultural heritage.

As the forum drew to a close, both Louis Godart, former Cultural Advisor to the Italian President, and Lyu Zhou, Director of the National Heritage Center at Tsinghua University, reiterated the significance of cultural exchanges between Europe and China in nurturing global peace and sustainable development.

The forum was complemented by a photographic exhibition entitled "Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital," which opened concurrently in Athens, further emphasizing the links between ancient wisdom and modern innovation.

This collaborative effort marks a noteworthy step towards fostering deeper dialogue and understanding across cultures, revealing the potential that such interactions hold for paving the way toward a more interconnected and peaceful world. With discussions rooted in ancient legacies, participants are optimistic about the future and the promise of fruitful cultural collaboration.