Former Prime Minister of Greece: W.E. Talk turns mutual learning among civilizations into people’s experience

I want to warmly congratulate you on the5th anniversary of East-West Dialogue(W. E. Talk), the flagship column of China News Service.

Over these five years, East-West Dialogue(W. E. Talk) has done something important. It has built a real bridge, an intellectual bridge of ideas between peoples, transcending borders, across cultures, beyond prejudice.

In a world growing more turbulent, it has become a calm and thoughtful voice of reason, a place where serious questions are asked. It has provided a space for real exchange of views and approaches to our common challenges.

We often hear once more the idea of a clash of civilizations, but East-West Dialogue(W. E. Talk) chooses a different path. Because the real debate, the real question is, how we use or abuse the amazing powers humankind today has, from AI to biotechnology or quantum physics.

Will these powers be used for domination or for cooperation？For exploiting the others’ weaknesses or solving common problems? These are deeply ethical issues. And you have chosen the path of respect, of mutual learning, of equality for a shared future. This is how meaningful conversations between East and West are kept alive.

And your column draws on and is inspired by ancient wisdom. Our ancestors sought to understand their world: their rich experience and wisdom is a treasure chest for us all to draw upon, and help us evaluate, and guide us for today’s challenges.

Every interview and discussion in East-West Dialogue(W. E. Talk) does more than share information; it’s a process, it helps build understanding, it helps build trust.

Through its way, its art of asking questions, it encourages deep thinking between China and the wider world. It turns mutual learning among civilizations from a slogan into something people can actually experience.

What I admire most in this is East-West Dialogue(W. E. Talk) does not stop at surface-level cultural comparison. It looks deeper, it explores the spirit and philosophy of civilizations, the deeper questions that are universal, ecumenical, and are relevant to us all, no matter where in the world we live and what culture we have grown up in.

These may sound simple questions, yet they are profound questions, ones we all can and should ask ourselves. What is a good life? What is a just society, a just order? How can different traditions and cultures work together to solve global problems?

This is“knowledge diplomacy”, its impact goes further than short term political debate. Real understanding comes from open minds, ongoing dialogue and people meeting people.

Looking ahead my hope is simple that East-West Dialogue(W. E. Talk) will continue to act as a translator between civilizations, amplifying diverse voices while shaping inclusive harmony, encouraging youth as pathfinders for the future.

May the column’s next 5 years help shape global conversations, and dismantle cognitive barriers, and challenge simple stereotypes, giving space to many voices, and inspiring more young people to join in this exchange. May the next years break down even more barriers. May East and West, tradition and modernity and continued inquiry create a shared story together that is full of life and hope.