BuildingBridgesAcrossCivilizations:GlobalNeighboursatthe2026InternationalDayforDialogueamongCivilizations

Press Release - International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations

On June 10, Global Neighbours was honoured to take part in the 2026 Celebration of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, held at the Vienna International Centre and co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China in Vienna and the United Nations Office at Vienna.

Group Photo Distinguished guests and representatives at the 2026 Celebration of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, held at the Vienna International Centre on 10 June 2026.

The event brought together more than 300 guests, including senior representatives of international organizations in Vienna, Permanent Representatives of Member States, cultural institutions, and dialogue platforms.

Video message by H.E. Wang Yi H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, delivers a video message at the 2026 Celebration of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.

The programme opened with a video message from H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, who emphasized that the diversity of civilizations is a defining feature of our world, and that dialogue, mutual respect, and exchange are essential to strengthening the human foundations of a community with a shared future.

Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Li Song H.E. Ambassador Li Song, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations Office at Vienna and Other International Organizations in Vienna, delivers remarks at the opening of the event.

H.E. Ambassador Li Song, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations Office at Vienna and Other International Organizations in Vienna, highlighted the significance of the Global Civilization Initiative and its contribution to deepening mutual learning among civilizations, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and advancing shared responses to global challenges.

Keynote remarks by Siddharth Chatterjee Siddharth Chatterjee, Chief Executive Officer of Global Neighbours and former United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, delivers keynote remarks at the 2026 Celebration of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.

Global Neighbours CEO Siddharth Chatterjee, former United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, was invited to deliver a keynote address. Drawing on his decades of experience in the United Nations and his years in China, he reflected on the importance of empathy, trust, and genuine dialogue at a time when the world is facing growing polarization and interconnected crises.

Mr. Chatterjee highlighted Global Neighbours as a Vienna-based think tank dedicated to building bridges between Europe, Asia, and the wider international community. He noted that Global Neighbours brings together governments, international organizations, business leaders, academics, artists, civil society, and young people for practical and respectful dialogue.

He further introduced Global Neighbours’ flagship initiative, Tracks to the Future, which seeks to turn connectivity into conversation and conversation into trust. Through culture, education, diplomacy, trade, technology, and people-to-people exchange, the initiative aims to strengthen cross-regional and cross-civilizational cooperation.

For Global Neighbours, the occasion strongly resonated with our mission: to build bridges between Europe, Asia, and the wider international community through dialogue, cultural understanding, and sustained people-to-people exchange.

“Blossoms of Civilizations, Fragrance Shared Across the World” exhibition Guests visit the exhibition Blossoms of Civilizations, Fragrance Shared Across the World, featuring Chinese paintings of the national flowers of United Nations Member States.

The event also featured moving cultural performances, including Chinese and international music as well as a tai chi fan performance. The exhibition “Blossoms of Civilizations, Fragrance Shared Across the World”, featuring Chinese paintings of the national flowers of all 193 UN Member States, offered a vivid expression of harmony in diversity. Cultural workshops in paper-cutting, ink painting, and Western oil painting further brought the spirit of exchange to life.

We extend our sincere appreciation to H.E. Ambassador Li Song, the Permanent Mission of China in Vienna, and the United Nations Office at Vienna for convening such a meaningful celebration.

At a moment when the world needs more trust, more listening, and more cooperation, dialogue among civilizations is not only timely — it is essential.

Audience at the event Guests attend the 2026 Celebration of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations at the Vienna International Centre.