Summary
The fourth Dialogue on the Exchange and Mutual Learning among Civilisations drew about 400 Chinese and foreign guests to Dunhuang, Gansu province. Former Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari said the Belt and Road Initiative has turned Nepal from a landlocked to a land-linked country. German sinologist Martin Woesler discussed how the Digital Silk Road and artificial intelligence are enabling cultural exchanges.
Several youth exchange programmes were presented at the event. The first International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations will be observed on June 10.
Commentary
The Dunhuang dialogue underscores a growing trend: the Digital Silk Road and AI are empowering cultural heritage and boosting digital services trade for China and other Belt and Road countries. New Zealand small and medium-sized creative and technology firms should eye China's digital cultural tourism market. Weta Workshop, for instance, has already worked on co-productions using special effects technology.
However, businesses need to carefully assess geopolitical risks and avoid over-politicising cultural cooperation. Early movers in niche areas such as digital humans and immersive experiences could gain an edge in the next wave of cultural trade.
Keywords: Dunhuang, civilisational exchange, Belt and Road, Global Civilisation Initiative, Digital Silk Road, artificial intelligence, cultural heritage, youth exchange, International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations
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