The second World Conference of Classics will be held in Athens, Greece, on Tuesday and Wednesday. With the theme "Dialogue between Ancient and Modern: Contemporary Inspirations from Classical Wisdom", it brings together leading scholars in classical studies, as well as experts in civilization, culture and archaeology from China and other countries, to discuss issues related to classical civilizations and promote academic exchanges and consensus-building in global classical studies.

The event serves as a timely reminder of the importance of cultural exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations in an era marked by geopolitical tensions and deep-seated mistrust.

It has long been realized that ancient Eastern Mediterranean civilization is not the only form of civilization, nor is it the best. There is a heritage of civilization all over the world, and the acceptance of that heritage is important for countries to get along.

There is a misconception about classics that we study ancient times to gain certain wisdom or practices that can be directly borrowed. But the real significance of classics is that they help us understand the causes of some of the most consequential decisions in history. They provide practical food for thought for political theory and political thinking today.

For instance, the Thucydides trap is much talked about today. Knowing its origins helps us better understand if it is relevant today and, if so, how it can be avoided.

Civilizations are wellsprings of wisdom, embodying a vast repository of rational and practical knowledge about understanding and transforming the world. They have always thrived through exchanges and interaction. The ancient Silk Road, for instance, was not merely a trade route but a conduit for cultural, technological and philosophical exchanges between the East and the West.

All this underscores the potential of civilizational dialogue to foster mutual understanding and cooperation, two things the world is in dire need of today.

The public goods China has put forward in recent years — such as the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative that are foundational for the building of a community with a shared future for humanity — are frameworks deeply rooted in the traditional Chinese notion that common challenges require collective action and shared solutions. Their resonance comes from the belief in ancient times in an ethical community — a group of individuals who share common ethical values and principles, working collectively to maintain social harmony and justice. In ancient times, these communities were often localized, such as within a village or kingdom, where shared values and norms governed behavior.

The importance of an ethical community lies in its ability to foster cooperation, mutual respect and a sense of belonging among its members, which are essential for societal stability and well-being. It is thus easy to see why China's proposals have been widely accepted by those countries hoping to build a more harmonious world. From the Belt and Road Initiative to the Global Governance Initiative and through mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, China is steadfastly striving to foster a sense of interconnectedness and a more ethical and collaborative global community based on mutual respect and the pursuit of shared development.

Mutual understanding and respect are crucial for the success of a harmonious global community. By engaging in cultural exchange and dialogue, nations can gain insights into different civilizational frameworks and work toward common goals. China's emphasis on harmony and reciprocity in international relations, influenced by Confucian values such as the importance of moral and righteous behavior and the cultivation of virtues, can serve as a foundation for building trust and cooperation among diverse nations.

Such classical wisdom offers inspiration for enriching societal values and addressing pressing global issues, as the cultivation of mutual understanding and respect is essential for building a harmonious world and finding solutions to the common challenges humanity faces.

As scholars from different countries convene in Greece, they will walk where Plato taught and Aristotle spoke. But their deeper task is to make it clear that ancient wisdom can still guide modern action. As we look to the future, the lessons of the past can continue to illuminate the path to a more harmonious and interconnected global community.