East-West Question – Danilo Turk- I firmly believe that civilizations will definitely cooperate

On October 20, 2023, Danilo Türk, the former president of Slovenia, former UN deputy secretary-general, and president of the World Leadership Alliance, shared his insights during an exclusive interview with China News Service. The conversation took place amid the second Global Development Forum, held in Beijing from October 18 to 20, which gathered over a thousand guests from nearly 40 countries to discuss the theme “Building a Development Community and Creating a New Era for Humanity.”

Turk emphasized the flaws in the “clash of civilizations” theory, stating, “While conflicts between civilizations are a historical reality, they are not inevitable.” He expressed his firm belief that cooperation among civilizations is not just possible but essential. “We live on the same planet and are destined to work together, merging our civilizations into a global collaboration.”

In our discussion, I began by asking Türk about his impression of the forum’s theme. “The world is currently undergoing a serious crisis and a period of turbulence,” he noted. “With over 50 armed conflicts occurring worldwide, the differences in economic and political policies present significant challenges. We need to strive for unity and foster a common vision for development.”

He reflected on China’s significant historical progress over the past few decades, calling it a major force in alleviating poverty for 800 million people and serving as a key partner for the whole world, including developing countries. “The time is ripe to elevate our shared development to a higher level,” he remarked.

As we explored China’s recent global initiatives, I asked Türk about the internal logic of the three major global initiatives proposed by China—development, security, and civilization. “These initiatives resonate with the international community as they embody China’s deep understanding of global challenges,” he replied. “Global security is a crucial foundation for achieving true development, which goes beyond GDP growth and poverty reduction; it encompasses social progress and people’s safety.”

I also inquired about the rising rhetoric of “civilization clash,” “zero-sum games,” and “de-risking,” which have gained traction in some Western countries. In contrast, China promotes an inclusive view of civilization. Türk acknowledged the importance of mutual learning between East and West, emphasizing that “political leaders must present meaningful alternatives.”

“Twenty to thirty years ago, the concept of ‘civilization clash’ was seriously flawed. While conflicts have occurred, they don’t have to determine our future,” he reflected. “We can coexist, collaborate, and boost each other’s growth. I don’t see why Western civilization must clash with Chinese civilization.”

When discussing the role of people-to-people diplomacy, Turk highlighted its untapped potential, particularly decreased global communication during the pandemic. “This exchange is vital. First-hand experiences can foster understanding—visiting China allows people to witness its realities rather than relying on hearsay.”

I asked him for suggestions on enhancing cultural exchange between China and Europe. “China’s classical art is highly valued in Europe, but what about contemporary art? How can it contribute to a global cultural community?” he pondered. Türk proposed fostering creative exchanges of artists between Europe and China, enhancing collaboration within fields like film, visual media, and digital production.

Having visited China over 50 times in the past two decades, I was curious about the changes that struck him most. “I’ve witnessed phenomenal transformations; new buildings and innovations emerge throughout the country,” he noted. “China’s vitality has driven significant change and opened great opportunities for the world.”

Finally, I inquired about future cooperation areas with China. He pointed to energy collaboration as practical and urgent, noting the need for a collective approach to tackle climate change. “A functional global trade system is essential, and we must be open to deeper cooperation across various sectors,” Turk concluded. “I genuinely believe that international collaboration is the only real pathway for the world’s survival.”