#China #Dunhuang #Silk Road #Global Mayors Dialogue

Cities Unite for Cultural Heritage Preservation

Dunhuang, located in Gansu province, China, has historically been a significant meeting point for Eastern and Western cultures, particularly renowned for its ancient Silk Road history. On October 13, 2025, the city hosted the "Global Mayors Dialogue," an event that brought together over 200 attendees from various countries to discuss cultural preservation and urban governance.

The central theme of the dialogue, "A Symphony of Civilizations, Resonance in Harmony," aimed to strengthen international cooperation while implementing the Global Civilization Initiative. Participants in the event took part in engaging discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities faced in the realms of cultural governance. According to Su Bomin, director of the Dunhuang Academy, the institution has developed advanced conservation technologies to protect the area's renowned Mogao Grottoes, which feature breathtaking murals and sculptures that illustrate the region's rich Buddhist heritage. He expressed hope that these restoration techniques could be shared with other countries, enhancing global efforts to safeguard cultural heritage.

Building International Relationships

One of the key highlights of the event was the establishment of sister-city relations, with Dunhuang officials signing letters of intent with Garni, Armenia, and a friendly exchange city agreement with Manisa, Turkey. Burak Deste, the general secretary of the Manisa Metropolitan Municipality, emphasized the importance of such partnerships in preserving cultural heritage. He praised Dunhuang's initiatives, specifically its promotion of cultural traditions through creative and intangible cultural products.

Moreover, Dunhuang signed a memorandum to enhance ties with Venice, Italy, with Massimo Andreoli, the chairman of the Venice Carnival, noting the need for cooperation in areas such as commerce and education. As cities rich in culture, both Dunhuang and Venice face the challenge of balancing tradition with innovation. Andreoli highlighted that modern tools like artificial intelligence should be leveraged to promote these traditions effectively, ensuring that historical narratives are told in impactful ways.

Addressing Shared Global Challenges

The dialogue also recognized broader global concerns such as environmental protection. “Cities across the globe share common challenges,” noted Steven Back from the Hungarian National Museum in China. He underlined the necessity of international cultural exchanges to foster relations among different civilizations, benefiting all parties involved. The Digital Dunhuang project further underscores this mission, allowing scholars from around the world to explore and understand the cultural wealth of Dunhuang in more depth.

Overall, the Global Mayors Dialogue served as a significant step towards international collaboration in cultural preservation. As cities around the world navigate the complexities of maintaining their heritage in an ever-modernizing landscape, gatherings such as this one in Dunhuang are vital for sharing insights, strategies, and encouraging deeper connections based on shared values of cultural dignity and heritage. The ongoing efforts to engage in cultural dialogues will likely continue brewing innovative solutions, ensuring that cultural stories are preserved for future generations.

As the event concluded, it was clear that mutual understanding and cooperation among cities worldwide could pave the way for a future enriched by shared cultural heritage, promoting not only the preservation of the past but also the celebration of diverse narratives that make up our global community.