The 2025 Golden Panda International Cultural Forum was held on Sept. 13 in Chengdu, Sichuan province, bringing together professionals, celebrities and dignitaries from around the world. 

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, announces the opening of the 2025 Golden Panda International Cultural Forum in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Sept. 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

The forum, centered on the theme "Harmony in Diversity, A Future in Unity," aims to advance the Global Civilization Initiative and promote the development of a global network for civilizational dialogue and cooperation, injecting new momentum into the progress of human civilization as well as world peace and development, the organizers said.

"This forum has invited participants from around the world with the aim of fostering cultural exchange, opening windows for civilizational dialogue, and enabling everyone to share in cultural development and the progress of civilizations. We are committed to strengthening the broad consensus for building a community with a shared future for humanity," said Wang Xiaohui, secretary of the Sichuan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). 

He added: "We firmly believe that insightful ideas, elegant expression, the sharing of cutting-edge technologies and the collision of pioneering thoughts will all contribute to dynamic brainstorming and intellectual inspiration here. Together, they will help foster greater mutual understanding and affinity among peoples, and promote the harmonious coexistence of diverse civilizations."

Addressing the forum, Asif Ali Zardari, president of Pakistan, pointed out: "Gathering in Sichuan, the homeland of the giant panda, we have collectively witnessed how to bridge differences."

Zardari noted that the Golden Panda International Cultural Forum vividly demonstrates how arts and film serve as bridges that enable different civilizations to learn from each other. "As the world undergoes profound and rapid transformations, China has fostered consensus among nations through platforms such as the Golden Panda Awards and this cultural forum," he said. "Using art — a universal language — the forum builds connections between countries, cultures, and communities, reflecting a commitment to respecting civilizational diversity, promoting equality and inclusiveness, and eliminating estrangement through dialogue."

Children perform at the 2025 Golden Panda International Cultural Forum in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Sept. 13, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Golden Panda Awards Organizing Committee]

Renowned Chinese director Chen Kaige also spoke at the forum. "True creation always comes from within. Art must sink its roots deep to draw nourishment before it can grow upward and flourish enduringly," he said. "China's uninterrupted civilization provides us with profound spiritual imagery and cultural confidence. It is not a static heritage, but a living education."

He noted that true cultural confidence stems from an open mind and the courage to engage in dialogue, emphasizing that genuine exchange is a process of two-way interaction. "In this era full of uncertainties," he added, "dialogue between civilizations has become more urgent than ever."

Chen also pointed out that humanity is standing in an era of information explosion, where digital effects, virtual production and artificial intelligence are sweeping the film industry. Yet he has always believed that technology serves as a tool — one that cannot replace the value of creation or the vision of creators.

"Good films are always warm, since they embrace our humanity, love and hope. Filmmaking should return to its essence — focusing on human destinies, exploring the meaning of life and questioning the value of existence. True innovation is not blind worship of technology, but rather considering how to use new tools to tell ancient and eternal themes," said the director, who served as general jury president for the second Golden Panda Awards.

Vincent Perez, a Swiss actor and director, echoed at the forum that despite differences in languages or customs, what unites people around the world is what we all have in common: emotion, the need for truth and beauty, the resistance against injustice, and the power of hope and love. "From film stock to VR and AI, our tools evolve, but the heart of art never changes: emotion and communication," he said.

During the forum, the Golden Panda Global Imaging Cooperation Program was launched, featuring a youth film-making initiative, a copyright protection campaign, a global film and TV collaboration project, and an audiovisual talent incubator. Organizers said these efforts aim to expand international cultural exchanges and cooperation, and to foster dialogue and mutual learning among different civilizations.

The Golden Panda Global Imaging Cooperation Program launches during the 2025 Golden Panda International Cultural Forum in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Sept. 13, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Golden Panda Awards Organizing Committee]

The forum also featured cultural performances, summit dialogues and achievement showcases. In the afternoon, four parallel forums examined the following themes: "digital empowerment and technological innovation driving new quality cultural productive forces," "global perspectives and local expressions in cultural heritage," "new trends and opportunities in cultural consumption" and "development and challenges in the film and TV industry."

Hosted by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Sichuan Provincial Government, the forum gathered over 780 guests from home and abroad. The event formed part of the Golden Panda Awards, a biennial event recognizing outstanding achievements in film, television, animation and documentary. A total of 27 awards were presented later that evening at the awards ceremony.