By Omonu Nelson
China and Nigeria has celebrated the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations with the event “Conversation & Connection” at the China Cultural Center in Abuja. The event stressed the importance of cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between China and Nigeria.
In a video address, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasised the significance of dialogue among civilizations in promoting world peace and development. He noted that the establishment of the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations is a successful practice of China’s commitment to the Global Civilization Initiative.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, highlighted the theme of this year’s event, “Dialogue & Zhi Yin”, which symbolizes deep mutual understanding and true friendship through music. He stated, “Music travels across mountains and seas and brings us closer. Let us make friends through music, express feelings through melodies, sublimate China-Nigeria friendship in the tunes, and promote our cooperations in the harmonies”.
The Ambassador also noted the growing cooperation between China and Nigeria in various fields, including culture, tourism, and education. He emphasized China’s willingness to work with Nigeria to enhance cooperation and exchanges in these fields, particularly in the context of the China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchange in 2026.
The event aimed to foster mutual understanding and lasting friendship between China and Nigeria through music and cultural exchange. As the Ambassador said, “Today through music, we start an important part which helps fostering mutual understanding and lasting friendship”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad Yawale, expressed gratitude to the Cultural Counselor and Director of the China Cultural Centre, Yang Jianxing, for organising the event, describing it as a beacon of hope in a world yearning for connection.
Dr. Yawale stressed the shared values between Nigeria and China, including respect for heritage and reverence for community, stating, “Our ties are woven with threads of shared values: respect for heritage, reverence for community and the unyielding belief that diversity is divinity expressed.”
He noted the success of collaborations between the two nations, such as the Abuja Light Rail project and Nollywood films streaming in Chinese homes, emphasizing that these partnerships are “not transactions; they are transformations”.
The Ministry plans to launch the ‘Nigeria-China Creative Corridor’, a platform for joint ventures in film, music, AI-driven art and heritage preservation. Dr. Yawale emphasized the potential of dialogue to breed enterprise and elevate nations, saying, “When civilizations converse, they don’t just exchange ideas; they co-author destiny”.
He encouraged students to carry forward the torch of dialogue, using their art, code and music to unite worlds. Dr. Yawale concluded by emphasizing the shared humanity that transcends cultural differences, stating, “May this dialogue echo beyond these walls, reminding humanity that though we speak in different tongues, our hearts beat the same rhythm of belonging”.
The event was attended by Ambassadors of Cuba, Spain and representatives of embassies of Cote D’Ivoire and others. The occasion was spiced with cross-civilisation music, dance etc.
The 2025 International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations was hosted by the China Culture Association and organized by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria. The Bank of China served as a strategic partner. The event aims to promote dialogue, mutual respect, tolerance, and global solidarity, enhancing the understanding of the value of civilizational diversity.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proposed by China, designating June 10th as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. This resolution aims to promote understanding and respect between different civilizations