On June 10 local time, a themed event marking the 2026 ‌International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations was hosted by the Embassy of People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of the Netherlands inside the Peace Palace in The Hague, home to the International Court of Justice. A wave of “WOW” rippled through the audience as Ying Jinfei, director of ZJAM, gave a live demonstration of Teaching Aid Series: Girl with Headscarf, a paper sculpture work from the museum’s collection by artist Li Hongbo. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Chinese craft of “paper flipping flowers” (zhi fan hua), the artwork reimagines a classic sculpture from the ancient Roman era. As Ying Jinfei gently stretched and extended the piece, the seemingly cold, rigid marble sculpture immediately morphed into a fluid, dynamic form, seamlessly transitioning from stillness to motion and from hardness to softness, winning continuous applause from both Chinese and foreign guests. Ying Jinfei explained that this work ingeniously fuses Eastern craftsmanship with Western classical art, serving as a vivid testament to mutual learning among civilizations.

This breathtaking moment was just one of numerous highlights during the dialogue among civilizations on the day.

The themed event of ‌International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations unfolded in a solemn yet warm atmosphere and was attended by over 200 guests, including the Deputy Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, ambassadors to the Netherlands from over 20 countries including Russia, Indonesia and South Africa, representatives of international organizations, Dutch government officials, and other distinguished figures from all walks of life.

Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivering a video address

© The Embassy of PRC in the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered a video address. He expounded on the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping and called on all parties to advance dialogue among civilizations by upholding mutual respect, putting people at the center, pursuing inheritance and innovation, and promoting exchanges and mutual learning, so as to pool wisdom and strength to tackle shared challenges and advance the progress of human civilizations.

Ambassador Shen Bo delivering a speech

© The Embassy of PRC in the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Ambassador Shen Bo stated in the speech that Minister Wang Yi’s video address profoundly illustrated the significance of celebrating the ‌International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. This marks the first international day established in UN history dedicated to fostering exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, fully reflecting the broad consensus within the international community to advance dialogue among civilizations, enhance mutual understanding, safeguard world peace and promote common development. He affirmed that China stands ready to work with the international community to uphold the vision of civilizations featuring equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness. He emphasized China’s commitment to implementing the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative, jointly advancing the progress of human civilizations, upholding world peace and stability, and fostering a community with a shared future for mankind.

Ambassador of South Africa to the Netherlands delivering a speech

© The Embassy of PRC in the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Vusi Madonsela, Ambassador of South Africa to the Netherlands, spoke highly of China’s efforts to promote dialogue among civilizations. He noted that the Global Civilization Initiative contributes greatly to fostering exchange and mutual learning among different civilizations and enhancing mutual understanding within the international community, and called on all parties to support the four major global initiatives proposed by China and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Dutch Singer performing a Chinese song

Dutch singer Cindy van Minnen performed the classical Chinese song Left Hand Points to the Moon. A laureate of the “Water Cube Cup” Chinese Songs Contest, she captivated the whole audience with her ethereal, soulful voice. The blend of Eastern and Western elements in her singing echoed perfectly the theme of the event.

Director Ying Jinfei demonstrating the paper sculpture work

At the invitation of the Embassy of PRC in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and commissioned by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, Director Ying Jinfei attended the event. Beyond demonstrating the paper sculpture Teaching Aid Series: Girl with Headscarf, he also introduced another traditional Chinese art form to the guests: water-based woodblock printing. He explained that water-based printmaking, which emerged alongside woodblock printing in the 8th and 9th centuries, is the earliest form of printmaking in the world. He also shared a fascinating story of artistic transmission: Dutch art master Vincent van Gogh was deeply influenced by Japanese UKiyoe, which itself drew heavily from the Chinese printmaking techniques in the Ming Dynasty. In this way, a river of art has flowed through history quietly for centuries, from China to Japan, and onward to Europe.

Audience experiencing water-based woodblock printing

© The Embassy of PRC in the Kingdom of the Netherlands

“Paper on one hand, water on the other,” Ying Jinfei remarked. “These two elements are closely linked to our upcoming exhibition ‘The Realm of Clarity’ opening in The Hague.”

Ambassador Shen Bo of China to the Netherlands (left) with Ying Jinfei, director of ZJAM

© The Embassy of PRC in the Kingdom of the Netherlands

“The Realm of Clarity: Ecological Foresight and Civilizational Exchange in Oriental Wisdom” is co-hosted by the Embassy of PRC in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, and Pulchri Studio, and organized by ZJAM. It will run from June 12 to 28 in Pulchri Studio in The Hague. At the end of his presentation, Director Ying Jinfei sincerely invited all present guests to attend the exhibition opening at 17:00 on June 12 in the studio.