As scholars in the humanities and the social sciences who have traveled from more than 30 countries on five continents, we have gathered here to celebrate the birth of the Beijing Forum, the theme of which is “The Harmony of Civilizations and Prosperity for All.”
At the beginning of human civilization, our ancestors from all the nations of the world set out to establish their own unique and glorious ethos. In this long river of history, the numerous tributaries of civilization have flowed together and become one, propelling the human race in an endless evolutionary current along the deep and inevitable course of civilization. Looking back over the past two millennia, we find that although the flow of history has been impeded by many conflicts and wars, we can take assurance in the world’s continuing progress from its cultural exchanges in friendship and from its onward movement towards the convergence of all civilizations in world peace.
Today, standing on a high ground brightened by the rising sun of the new century, we can witness the peoples of the nations of the world assembled at the starting line for the next phase in the evolution of civilization, and facing a prospect that is fraught with unprecedented opportunities and challenges. The path that now lies ahead of us is encumbered with a myriad of difficult and perplexing obstacles, and with complicated and obscure trials that are bound to test the will and the fortitude of humankind. Nevertheless, our resolution must be that, however many the conflicts, however great the difficulties, we can only rely upon ourselves to overcome them and to prevail. We must have confidence that the citizens of the twenty-first century are experienced enough, that they are capable enough, and most of all, that they are intelligent enough to resolve these conflicts and overcome these difficulties. Through the efforts of our generation and the one that follows, the peoples of the world will come together in understanding and cooperation, in wisdom and peace. And in their collective courage and determination, they will find the strength to overcome all obstacles and to move humankind towards a bright and glorious future.
As human civilization begins its advance into the twenty-first century, the mission for all members of society is abundantly clear: resolve the conflicts, overcome the difficulties, co-exist in harmony, and prosper in daily life. However, as intellectuals in the humanities and the social sciences, we should be especially sensitive to, and responsible for this goal of peace and prosperity, for we are the dedicated researchers who seek knowledge about human beings; we seek to discover the destiny of mankind and to answer the questions that accompany the advancement of human society. Achievements in the humanities and social sciences arise from the accumulation of experience, from knowledge acquired in observing the progress of human society. In pursuing this lofty goal, scholars in the humanities and the social sciences must never stop interrogating and responding to the spirit of humanity that is concealed behind the veil of social phenomena.
In the interest of furthering the progress of the humanities and the social sciences in the twenty-first century, we scholars in these disciplines must be ever ready to commit ourselves to the advancement of human civilization and the development of human society, a weighty responsibility indeed! Nevertheless, in answer to the call of history in the present moment, let us together pledge our efforts to make this conference entitled Beijing Forum an unqualified success, and then let us try to make it better, and then better still. Here, in this public declaration is our willing payment of our debt and our obligation to history!
(Announced in Beijing Forum 2004)