STORY: China-proposed GCI a visionary initiative: observers
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 7, 2023/Jan. 12/March 6, 2024
DATELINE: April 2, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:16
LOCATION: Beijing
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the world
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SYED JAMAL SHAH, Former Pakistani Minister for National Heritage and Culture
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): JOHN THORNTON, Chair Emeritus of the Brookings Institution
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): ANGLOS DEMETRIOS, Professor at University of Crete in Greece

STORYLINE:

International observers have said that the China-proposed Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) holds great potential to shape a harmonious world.

The initiative advocates the respect for the diversity of civilizations, the common values of humanity, the importance of inheritance and innovation of civilizations, as well as robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SYED JAMAL SHAH, Former Pakistani Minister for National Heritage and Culture
"That's a visionary step because civilization whether you take it in terms of heritage or culture or any society, it plays a very important role.
Culture can play a very important role in bringing people closer to each other because this is a beautiful vehicle for a peaceful dialogue, initiating a peaceful dialogue with all societies across the world. It is the best way to get to know each other. When you see civilizations from that angle, then you tend to focus on dialogue, on development, on peace and equality. That's why this Global Civilization Initiative is a visionary initiative, and it can impact the world in a very, very positive manner."

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): JOHN THORNTON, Chair Emeritus of the Brookings Institution
"The aspiration that China has is admirable and if it can be achieved, it would be a step forward for mankind, for the world. The idea of China promoting dialogue among and between civilizations, is a very good idea. I think that as the world gets smaller, actually larger in population, but smaller in mental and physical distance, then, it's very, very important that we all understand each other."

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): ANGLOS DEMETRIOS, Professor at University of Crete in Greece
"This (GCI) is indeed a very wise proposal. People-to-people contact, collaboration, interaction, this is very important to establish good bridges, common understanding between people and scientists and technologists and professionals. Once we have this, we understand each other's attitudes, and we can actually jointly address important issues. It is greatly beneficial to the world."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Beijing.
(XHTV)