Chongqing - Under the theme "Bridging Rivers and Seas, Sharing Wisdom of Civilizations," the 2025 Yangtze River Civilization Forum convened in Chongqing from September 17 to 19, fostering a significant dialogue on the world's great river cultures.

As the premier forum of its kind for the Yangtze River basin, the event was co-hosted by the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. It brought together leading international scholars specializing in the world's major river civilizations for insightful exchanges and forward-looking discussions.

On September 17, the 2025 Yangtze River Civilization Forum was successfully convened in Chongqing. (Photo/Deng Nan)

A key consensus emerged from the dialogues: the Chinese civilization, exemplified by the Yangtze River Civilization, stands unique for its uninterrupted continuity. Experts highlighted the Yangtze's "incomparable" contribution to Chinese civilization and stressed the importance of its study for shaping China's scholarly discourse in world history. The forum reinforced the idea that history's great, transformative innovations often originated along the banks of mighty rivers, bringing the Yangtze's profound legacy into clearer view.

Pakistani scholars took photos while watching the "Dynamic Chongqing" drone show. (Photo/Deng Nan)

The academic discussions were complemented by rich cultural events. The 2025 Concert of World Great Rivers featured mesmerizing performances, while an intangible cultural heritage exhibition showcased artisanal skills. A dedicated culture tour presented China's approach to preserving its living history. The forum successfully achieved "three key transformations," embodying distinct characteristics and demonstrating significant value.

Evolving into an International Platform for a Shared Future

In an era of global change and unhelpful narratives of civilizational clash or hierarchy, the forum championed respect for diversity and international cultural cooperation. A spokesperson from the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee explained that elevating the forum to an international level aims to foster equal dialogue and mutual learning among river civilizations, strengthening the cultural foundations for a shared human future.

Several "Chinese and International Experts Dialogues" were held during the forum. (Photo/Deng Nan)

This international character was evident in the participation of experts from the UK, France, Brazil, Egypt, Pakistan, and other nations, who shared insights on the Nile, Mesopotamian, Amazon, and Indus civilizations.

Several "Chinese and International Experts Dialogues" were held during the forum. (Photo/Deng Nan)

The exchanges proved highly productive. Chinese scholar Feng Shi presented evidence suggesting Chinese civilization may extend back 8,000 years. Professor Magnus Widell from the University of Liverpool saw great potential for collaborative projects between scholars of Mesopotamia and the Yangtze. Egypt's Professor Elsawy Elsawy Ahmed Abdelrahim proposed a joint China-Egypt UNESCO World Heritage nomination for hydrological sites on the Yangtze and the Nile, advocating for shared learning in water conservation.

Through archaeological research, Feng Shi believes that Chinese civilization is the only civilization in human history that has been passed down for at least 8,000 years without interruption. (Photo/Deng Nan)

The forum also provided a setting for constructive academic dialogue. Discussions on Western theories like "hydraulic society" allowed Chinese scholars to articulate a people-centric philosophy of water management, which resonated with international attendees. The defining characteristic of China's civilizational "continuity" was widely acknowledged based on archaeological evidence.

Broadening the Focus to Drive Sustainable Development

Acknowledging the critical economic role of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the forum expanded its scope from purely cultural themes to comprehensive ones, linking civilization with modern development.

Baidi City · Qutang Gorge Scenic Area. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Scholar Yang Kaizhong argued that the Yangtze Economic Belt should pioneer "New Quality Productive Forces," leading a transition towards an ecological civilization and acting as a major engine for China's future growth.

The Scholars, from China, French, Egypt, UK, Brazil and Pakistan delivered speeches on world rivers' civilizations on the forum. (Photo: Deng Nan)

French Sinologist David Gosset emphasized the need for global thinking, noting the Yangtze basin's economic weight and its role in today's digitally connected world. He expressed his commitment to telling the story of the Yangtze globally. Pakistan's Scholar Muhammad Hameed planned further visits to study archaeological preservation, seeking common ground between the Indus and Yangtze civilizations.

Creating Immersive Experiences to Tell the Chongqing and Yangtze Story

As the principal city on the upper Yangtze, Chongqing is central to preserving and promoting the river's culture. The forum utilized diverse, immersive settings to achieve this.

Professor Magnus Widell tried the local tea. (Photo/Deng Nan)

A series of side events enriched the program, including academic symposiums, 2025 Concert of World Great Rivers in Wanzhou, heritage exhibitions, and cultural tours along the Yangtze River.

The 2025 Concert of World Great Rivers featured mesmerizing performances. (Photo/Deng Nan)

International artists at the concert, including performers from Serbia, Russia, and Germany, came together in a collaborative performance of "We Are the World," symbolizing global harmony. Guests on the cultural tour were deeply impressed by the landscape, with scholars from Pakistan and Brazil praising the scenery and China's approach to cultural preservation as inspiring and unique.

Professor Elsawy Elsawy Ahmed Abdelrahim visited Baiheliang Underwater Museum. (Photo/Deng Nan)

Professor Elsawy Elsawy Ahmed Abdelrahim captured the sentiment, noting that those who experience the Yangtze feel a pull to return, underscoring the forum's success as a high-impact international platform.

Brazilian guest Duval Barros praised the scenery of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. (Photo/Deng Nan)

While the forum has concluded, the ideas it set in motion continue to flow. The story of the Yangtze Civilization is now carried forward, ready to merge with other global narratives in a continued spirit of mutual learning and shared destiny.

(Liu Yang, as an intern, also contributed to this report)