STORY: Experts, scholars gather in Beijing to foster dialogue among civilizations
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 7, 2023
DATELINE: Nov. 8, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:01
LOCATION: Beijing
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. STANDUP (English): MA RUXUAN, Xinhua correspondent
2. various of the forum
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ERIK SOLHEIM, Former under-secretary-general of United Nations
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): JOHN THORNTON, Chair emeritus of U.S. Brookings Institution
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): YVES LETERME, Former prime minister of Belgium
6. SOUNDBITE 4 (Spanish): JOSE LUIS CENTELLA, President of Communist Party of Spain

STORYLINE:

STANDUP (English): MA RUXUAN, Xinhua correspondent
"The Inter-Civilizational Communication and Global Development Forum is currently being held in Beijing."

The three-day event, which opened on Tuesday, is hosted by the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

It attracts around 150 politicians, entrepreneurs, think tank experts, scholars, cultural celebrities and diplomatic envoys from more than 30 countries to discuss issues concerning communication among civilizations and global development.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ERIK SOLHEIM, Former under-secretary-general of United Nations
"We will never be one global civilization. We always think differently. We continue with different political systems, but of course, we need to have a dialogue and work together."

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): JOHN THORNTON, Chair emeritus of U.S. Brookings Institution
"The idea of China promoting dialogue among civilizations, it's a very good idea. It's very important that we all understand each other. I think that accelerating that in any way is a good thing because I think understanding is kind of the necessary condition for countries to see each other's points of view, and in such a way as to advance any number of very important agendas."

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): YVES LETERME, Former prime minister of Belgium
"It is worth remembering that a country is more than its structures, rather, it is its people who breathe life into it. Promoting people-to-people exchanges is therefore paramount. This dynamic exchange is a catalyst for understanding, trust and cooperation. I would hope that between China and the EU, we continue to invest in these direct person-to-person exchanges."

SOUNDBITE 4 (Spanish): JOSE LUIS CENTELLA, President of Communist Party of Spain
"Cultural and social diversity of different civilizations should be regarded as a form of wealth. Based on this, a new world order that is just, united and composed of different countries and societies will be built."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Beijing.
(XHTV)