China is hosting an international forum in Beijing in a move to foster dialogue between different civilizations. The Inter-Civilizational Communication and Global Development Forum has attracted some 150 officials, business leaders, scholars and celebrities from more than 30 countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) earlier this year, calling for international people-to-people exchanges and respect for the diversity of civilizations.

Why is it an important mission for China to foster dialogue between different civilizations? What issues is the GCI looking to address?

Host Ding Heng is joined by Erik Solheim, former Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, and Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow with the Taihe Institute.