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The World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC) organised an intellectual seminar titled ‘Investing in People and Shaping Cultural Identity: Community Leadership Between Authenticity and Renewal’ as part of its participation in the Beijing International Book Fair 2026, where the United Arab Emirates is participating as the Guest of Honour. The seminar was held at the UAE House pavilion accompanying the fair and was attended by a distinguished group of academics, researchers, and specialists in cultural studies and civilisational relations from China and several participating countries.

The seminar focused on the importance of the cultural dimension in strengthening relations between China and the Islamic world, as well as the role of community leaders and academic and cultural institutions in building bridges of understanding and communication among peoples. Participants discussed China’s experience in preserving its cultural identity while remaining open to other cultures, and explored prospects for cultural and knowledge-based cooperation between China and Islamic countries. They highlighted ways to advance civilisational dialogue and enhance cultural and human exchange in light of the rapidly evolving international landscape.

The discussion also addressed the instruments of China’s soft power and the mechanisms through which Chinese culture is presented to the world, together with the role of community leaders and Chinese communities in strengthening China’s cultural presence internationally. Participants emphasised that investing in people remains the fundamental pillar of building and sustaining cultural identity. They stressed that successful experiences in this field provide valuable opportunities for exchanging expertise and drawing lessons that can be applied across diverse cultural and societal contexts, thereby contributing to deeper civilisational dialogue and greater mutual understanding among nations.

The seminar featured Professor Lin Fengmin, Head of the Department of Arabic Language at Peking University, Professor Xue Qingguo, Professor of Arab Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, Professor Wang Youjie of the School of Philosophy at Renmin University of China, and Associate Professor Wang Guangyuan of Beijing Language and Culture University, who also moderated the session. They were joined by Hassan Al Marzouqi, Assistant Secretary-General of the World Muslim Communities Council.

The participants examined practical avenues for enhancing cultural cooperation between China and the Islamic world and discussed the role of community leaders and academic institutions in promoting the values of dialogue and mutual understanding. They also explored ways to develop cultural and knowledge partnerships capable of contributing to a future marked by greater closeness, harmony, and cooperation among peoples and civilisations.