On 29 November, the 2022 Hehe Culture Global Forum was held in Tiantai County, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, in a combination of online and offline sessions. During the conference and keynote speeches, dignitaries from more than ten countries, including China, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Spain, Nepal and Indonesia, representatives of international organizations, foreign envoys to China, international sinologists, as well as relevant think tanks, universities, research institutions and other global celebrities, shared their views on the topic of "Culture of Harmony and Promotion of Common Development". 

Zhao Lei hosts the conference presentation session

In the speech session of the conference, Ye Xiaowen, Deputy Director of the Committee of Culture, Literature, History and Learning of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Annette Nijs, former Minister of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands, Zhu Guangyao, former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Finance, Mai Jia, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Writers' Association and famous writer, Qiu Shuhong, Director of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and former Chairman of the CPPCC of Zhongshan City, Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, Ambassador of Nepal in China, Kim Seung Ho, Consul General of Korea in Shanghai, Daining, Consul General of Indonesia in Shanghai; Zhang Liwen, Professor and Doctoral Supervisor, School of Philosophy, Renmin University of China and Director of the Institute of Harmonious Culture; Qian Wenzhong, Professor, Department of History, Fudan University and Researcher, Eastern Culture Research Centre, East China Normal University; Liu Hongwu, Director of the Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, Deputy Secretary General of the International Confucian Federation and Vice President of the Asia-Africa Society of China; Yang Lingling, Secretary of the Tiantai County Party Committee and other 12 guests shared their views. Zhao Lei, Vice Minister of the Propaganda Department of the Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee, presided.

Annette Nijs speaking

Hehe culture, according to Annette Nijs, emphasises harmony between people and can be extended to harmony between people and nature, and can enlighten humanity on the right path to global green development. Western "harmony" emphasises the harmonisation of differences, or even the smoothing out of differences, while Chinese "Hehe" emphasises harmony that respects differences, a true harmony. Western countries should embrace the Chinese concept of 'Hehe', accept the diversity of cultures and values among nations, and promote global green transformation and development cooperation with a positive mindset, working for the health of the planet and the well-being of all mankind.

Kim Seung Ho speaking

Kim Seung-ho said that 'Hehe' in simple terms means that individuals, organisations and nations need to seek coexistence in balance and harmony. The concept of harmony requires us to pursue our own survival and development while helping others to survive and develop. The beauty of the rainbow lies in its ability to embrace the seven colours of light, and a world that coexists will be a better place to live. In today's world, where countries are closely interconnected, where you have me and I have you, coexistence is more important than ever. China tells us that as long as all countries abide by the principles of mutual respect, non-aggression, non-interference, equality and cooperation, coexistence will be achieved.

Qian Wenzhong speaking

Qian Wenzhong said that Hehe is a cultural concept pursued by the Chinese people, and the philosophical expression of Hehe culture is the unity of heaven and man. For humanity as a whole, it can alleviate the deep-seated conflicts with the natural ecology and achieve the ideal of the unity of heaven and man. A more resolute and practical approach to climate change.

Translator: Fan Chenyu (Intern)

Editor: Ye Ke, Fan Chenyu (Intern)