Religions Build People-to-people Bonds in the Spirit of Inclusiveness and Mutual Learning

People’s Daily Online, Boao, April 21^st (Correspondent Mao Lei) On April 21^st, the sub-forum on religion of BFA Annual Conference 2021 was successfully concluded. Participants reached consensus that in the Belt and Road construction, religions should advocate equality, peace and sustainable development, build people-to-people bonds, and facilitate cultural integration in the spirit of inclusiveness and mutual learning.

Ven. Yin Shun, Vice President of Buddhist Association of China, and President of Buddhist Association of Hainan Province, stressed that the “Belt and Road” initiative marks a new chapter in the ancient Silk Road, and guides towards building a community with a shared future for mankind and a new type of international relations. Buddhism advocates equality and peace, and play a significant role in building people-to-people bonds and facilitating cultural integration in countries and regions along the “Belt and Road”.

In his video speech, H. H. Maha Sangharajah Bour Kryunderlined that religion plays a pivotal role in countries and regions along the “Belt and Road”, and the integration and mutual development of the sociology of religion, economics and other disciplines shall be further promoted. He believes that religious leaders should take the initiative to promote sustainable development. Before proceeding any project, the possible impact on the social environment shall be carefully deliberated on. It is necessary to enhance environmental protection and social awareness in all walks of life, and engage everyone to promote change, live in peace and respect each other.

Lee Bun Sang Stephen, Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Macau, China, believes that religion has become a culture in many countries and regions, especially in countries and regions along the “Belt and Road”. As a city where Chinese and Western cultures blend, Macao has a profound cultural heritage and thus can facilitate cultural exchanges between China and the West.

Notably, Michael Levitt, scientist and winner of Nobel Prize in Chemistry, also attended this sub-forum on religion. He believes that every religion has core elements that are integrated into people’s lives. People should learn from each other, “it’s just like dining, everyone gets to savor different dishes”.

All guests made a joint appeal to opt for exchanges, mutual learning and coexistence of civilizations, instead of estrangement, conflicts and superiority of civilizations; deepen and promote the global aspirations for “peace” and “mutual learning”; and foster new opportunities amid challenges and make new advances amid changes.