Athens, Greece - October 02, 2024

Chinese scholars are spotlighting the concept of whole-process people's democracy at the ongoing Athens Democracy Forum in the Greek capital, presenting China's tried-and-tested approach to engaging citizens in addressing contemporary challenges.

The three-day Athens Democracy Forum opened on Oct 1, featuring a dialog between Wang Huiyao, the founder and president of the Center for China and Globalization, and Jeffrey D. Sachs, the director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University. Their discussion, titled the Aristotle-Confucius Dialog, explored the similarities and differences between Eastern and Western philosophies.

Wang highlighted the unprecedented challenges posed by the rise of populism and nationalism to globalization, yet maintained that globalization remains a vital and resilient trend. He also advocated for drawing lessons from ancient civilizations to address modern issues.

Wang also shared insights on China's successful experience in poverty alleviation.

Mo Jihong, director of the Institute of Law at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, further delved into the concept of whole-process people's democracy and its embodiment of socialist democratic principles suited to Chinese characteristics at the forum.

The Athens Democracy Forum, convened since 2013, aims to serve as a guiding beacon for democracy and societal reorientation.

Shotlist:
Athens, Greek - Oct 2, 2024:
1. Various of Athens Democracy Forum, panel discussion on stage, participants;
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Wang Huiyao, founder and president, Center for China and Globalization:
"I think the meaning of that is very important. We have this ancient philosophy, we seek their wisdom, we seek their ideas. How we can make peace, make our world working and make democracy work.";
3. Various of panel discussion in progress, participants;
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Wang Huiyao, founder and president, Center for China and Globalization:
"A high moral standard, high moral responsibility that the government has really placed [is] a very important task and mandate for officials to perform at all levels. That's why China can lift 800 million people out of poverty and making China the second largest company in just a record time.";
5. Various of forum, participants, forum backdrop.

[Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]