On November 3rd, the 7th China France Cultural Forum, co hosted by the European and American Alumni Association and the French Prospect and Innovation Foundation, opened in Changsha, Hunan Province. Ding Zhongli, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and President of the European American Alumni Association, Shen Xiaoming, Secretary of the Hunan Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Congress, Wu Guiying, Member of the Standing Committee of the Hunan Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Changsha Municipal Party Committee, Zhang Dafang, former Vice Chairman of the Hunan Provincial Political Consultative Conference and President of the European American Alumni Association of Hunan Province, Jean Pierre Raffarin, former Prime Minister of France and Chairman of the Vision and Innovation Foundation, Aiwen Hong, Minister Counselor for Cultural, Educational and Scientific Affairs of the French Embassy in China, Le Langru, Consul General of France in Wuhan, and other guests. In his speech, Ding Zhongli stated that based on the coordinates of the times, through the deep dialogue between the two civilizations of China and France, we should jointly respond to the active efforts of "how to safeguard the diversity of civilizations" and "how to continuously promote the progress of human civilization". This is not only the historical responsibility entrusted to China and France by the times, but also the civilization responsibility for the future of humanity. The coexistence of diversity is the foundation of civilization and the source of innovation and creation. The vitality of civilization lies in "harmony in diversity", and human progress cannot be separated from "each beauty in its own way". In the face of the resurgence of unilateralism and the theory of clash of civilizations, China and France should work together to practice the concept of "harmonious progress", demonstrate the profound connotations of civilization that are colorful through exchange and rich through mutual learning, and use the power of "moistening things silently" to build a bridge of spiritual connection between the Chinese and French people, jointly promoting the realization of the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind. We look forward to both sides building more consensus in areas such as cultural and technological integration, cultural trade facilitation, etc., and working together to transform the potential for cooperation into fruitful achievements in promoting the flourishing development of culture and sharing the dividends of civilization progress. Raffarin stated that the diversity of civilizations is the starting point of communication and the key to innovation. The hosting of the Sino French Cultural Forum has enabled us to cross mountains and seas, closely connecting our thoughts and souls, and giving us the confidence to work together to create a better future. Although France and China represent different paths of civilization, they deeply resonate in terms of peace, development, and humanistic values. It is based on these common values that the two civilizations of France and China need to better understand each other, communicate and learn from each other. We look forward to more French people, especially young people, visiting China to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China on cultural, educational, and technological projects, and jointly contribute wisdom and strength to safeguarding world peace and promoting human development. The theme of this forum is "Diversified Coexistence and Harmonious Progress - Opening up a New Pattern of Cultural Exchange between China and France", aiming to further promote mutual learning and harmonious progress between the cultures of the two countries in diversified coexistence, and jointly open up a new pattern of cultural exchange between China and France. On November 3rd, the 7th China France Cultural Forum opened in Changsha, Hunan Province. Photo by People's Daily reporter Xie Ying