Chongqing - The 2025 Yangtze River Civilization Forum will be held on September 17 at the Yuelai International Conference Center in Chongqing. The forum will focus on cultural exchange and the preservation of the great river civilizations, contributing to the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The theme of the forum, "Bridging Rivers and Seas, Sharing Wisdom of Civilizations", highlights the dialogue and exchange between the world's major river civilizations. 

This year's forum introduces three key transformations, which differentiate it from previous editions. The forum has evolved from a domestic event to an international one, expanded from a cultural theme to a comprehensive one, and transitioned from a single scene to a multi-scene experience. 

The 2025 Yangtze River Civilization Forum is the first of its kind to be held on an international scale. The focus will be on cross-cultural dialogue between the great river civilizations of the world, with experts from abroad playing a significant role. Five international speakers will feature in the main forum session. This internationalization aims to enhance the global influence of both the Yangtze River civilization and Chinese culture. 

The forum will feature prominent guests, including leaders from central and national ministries, heads of major news organizations, and leading experts in cultural heritage and archaeology fields. Scholars from the United Kingdom, Brazil, Egypt, Pakistan, and other countries specializing in the study of the Nile River, Tigris-Euphrates, Amazon, and Indus River civilizations will also participate. 

In addition to the main forum, a range of cultural activities will be held. These include the 2025 Longgupo Site Academic Seminar, Intangible Cultural Heritage Exchange Exhibition from the Yangtze River Basin, and the exhibition “From Dunhuang to Dazu”. These events, along with drone performance and a range of cultural exchange activities, will offer attendees a broader and more diverse program.

"From Dunhuang to Dazu" is a special exhibition at the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum. (Photo: Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum)

The Yangtze River Civilization Forum has successfully evolved into an influential academic forum. The 2023 and 2024 editions invited over 200 renowned experts and scholars from major universities, social science institutions, and cultural heritage organizations across China. 

Concert of the World's Great Rivers. (Photo/ Ran Mengjun and Hou Benyan)

The internationalization of the 2025 Yangtze River Civilization Forum marks a significant milestone in its development. It emphasizes the importance of cultural confidence, serving as a platform to promote Chinese culture and support the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The forum also fosters global cultural cooperation by facilitating dialogue among the world’s major river civilizations, contributing to mutual understanding and shared progress.

By enhancing the international influence of the Yangtze River civilization, the forum takes a crucial step toward fostering a more connected and harmonious global community.