#China #Global Civilization #Yangtze River #Chongqing #Chongqing Forum

The Yangtze River Civilization Forum: A Stage for Global Exchange

On September 15, 2026, Chongqing became the focal point for international dialogue as it hosted the Yangtze River Civilization Forum, uniting scholars, diplomats, and officials from around twenty nations. Participants hailed from diverse regions, including notable countries such as Egypt, Brazil, India, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Australia, and Mexico. The forum's overarching theme, "Crossing Rivers and Seas, Mutual Learning of Civilizations," illustrates the importance of sharing knowledge and strategies for the development of river civilizations around the globe.

The forum was co-hosted by the Chongqing Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). CASS President Gao Xiang emphasized the significance of the Yangtze River as a metaphor for the interaction and learning between different civilizations. He noted that each wave of the river symbolizes a potential for communication and collaboration across cultures.

British scholar Martin Jacques, a Visiting Research Fellow at the Asia Research Center of the London School of Economics, underscored the crucial role that rivers play in shaping civilizations and fostering cultural exchanges. Jacques remarked that rivers not only support the flourishing of communities along their banks but also serve as conduits of contact that encourage the blending of cultures, pushing back against isolationism.

The forum aims not just to celebrate these cultural ties but also to further actionable cooperation among nations. Following previous initiatives, such as the 2025 China-Egypt dialogue that gave rise to the documentary When the Yangtze Meets the Nile, plans are underway for establishing a collaborative UNESCO World Heritage designation. This includes incorporating Chongqing's Baiheliang hydrological inscriptions—recognized as the world's earliest hydrological station—with Egypt's Nilometer on Rhoda Island.

Expanding the conversation beyond Asia and Africa, this year’s forum also introduced the When the Yangtze Meets the Amazon initiative, symbolizing a new partnership between China and South America. This collaboration is set to produce another documentary titled Rivers in Harmony, reinforcing the commitment to global storytelling through shared river narratives.

Additionally, the unveiling of the Yangtze Civilization Series and the Compendium of Travel Writings on the Chuanjiang River and Shu Roads highlighted the continuous research efforts that accompany the forum. These projects aim to document and celebrate the rich history and cultural heritage found along the Yangtze River and its tributaries.

The forum also launched the international communication project titled “A Bond between Great Rivers.” This initiative seeks to connect river cities worldwide through collaborative film productions, think-tank dialogues, youth exchanges, and media visits. The goal is to foster a supportive network that inspires mutual understanding and exchange among global river civilizations.

As the Yangtze River Civilization Forum progresses, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in a rapidly globalizing world. The exchange of ideas, cultures, and innovations among participating nations paves the way for a united approach towards sustainable development and modernization, embodying the essence of what it means to learn from one another in an interconnected landscape.

As the world moves forward, these collaborative efforts will serve as an important reminder that, like the rivers that connect us, our shared histories and experiences can lead to a more harmonious future.