#China #Global Forum #Putian #Meizhou Island #Mazu Culture

11th Global Mazu Culture Forum: A Celebration of Heritage and Innovation

On November 1, 2026, the 11th Global Mazu Culture Forum commenced on Meizhou Island, located in Putian City, Fujian Province, China. This annual event has evolved into a significant platform for promoting the rich insights of Mazu culture, which reveres the Chinese sea goddess Mazu.

The forum opened with a series of noteworthy achievements that highlighted the importance of disaster mitigation and cultural understanding. Attendees witnessed the unveiling of the first collection of national marine hazard mitigation cases, which summarized China's experiences in combating marine disasters. This presentation underscored the nation’s commitment to ensuring safety and preparedness in maritime activities. Moreover, the launch of version 2.0 of the Mass Conservation Ocean Model (MaCOM) showcased the latest technological advancements aimed at disaster prevention and response.

In addition to these technical exhibits, the forum facilitated the ceremonial delivery of a sophisticated all-in-one box, designed for China's intelligent meteorological early warning system, known as MAZU, to officials from Sri Lanka. This gesture symbolizes strong international ties and a shared commitment to enhancing disaster response frameworks globally.

The proceedings continued with the announcement of the Meizhou Declaration, which aimed to foster consensus among participants regarding the core values inherent in Mazu culture. Throughout the forum, attendees engaged in enriched discussions across ten sub-forums that covered varied themes, such as:

• - Cultural and tourism cooperation
• - Youth exchanges
• - Universal love and peace
• - Marine economy initiatives
• - Green electricity projects on islands
• - Rural revitalization
• - Mangrove ecology
• - Humanitarian efforts
• - Women's exchanges
• - Cultural exchanges between China and Brazil

These focused discussions not only enriched participants' perspectives but also encouraged collaborative approaches to pressing global issues. Representatives from diverse backgrounds came together to share insights and experiences, further solidifying the forum's role in bridging different cultures.

An innovative feature this year was the establishment of 13 satellite venues across the continents. It allowed individuals unable to attend in person to connect with the event via live video links, significantly expanding the reach and inclusivity of the forum. Over 300 million followers from 52 countries and regions are part of this cultural exchange movement initiated by Meizhou Island, recognized as the birthplace of Mazu.

The Global Mazu Culture Forum began in 2016 and has since been a key platform for advocating Mazu culture and encouraging deeper cultural and tourism integration while promoting cross-cultural understanding. As this year's forum concluded, it not only reaffirmed the importance of Mazu culture but also set ambitious goals for furthering international cooperation in area of cultural exchange, humanitarian efforts, and technological advancements.

In summary, the 11th Global Mazu Culture Forum offered a space for innovation, cooperation, and the shared commitment to safeguard cultural heritage, thus ensuring that the values of Mazu continue to resonate with individuals worldwide. As discussions and collaborations unfold, it is clear that the spirit of Mazu will continue to inspire and unite people across borders.