In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the global victory over fascism, the Basi World Peace Forum opened on November 18, 2025, at the China Cultural Center in Paris. The event brought together distinguished political leaders, representatives of international organizations, scholars, and artists, united in their commitment to advancing peace through dialogue, culture, and international cooperation.
Supported by UNESCO, the forum was co-hosted by the French National Commission for UNESCO, the China Cultural Center in Paris, the Chinese Association for Public Diplomacy, the China Foundation for Peace and Development, and the European Center for Peace and Development of the University for Peace, among other institutions.
The Basi World Peace Forum takes its name from Basi, one of China’s most beloved giant pandas, born in 1980. Celebrated for her intelligence, gentle temperament, and exceptional longevity—she lived to 37, a record for her species—Basi charmed audiences around the world. She became known not only for her serene presence but also for her surprising athletic talents, which included riding a bicycle and shooting baskets. A longtime symbol of peace and friendship, Basi traveled to the United States in 1987 as a “peace envoy” and later inspired “Panpan,” the mascot of the 1990 Beijing Asian Games.
The Basi World Peace Forum was founded by YANG Yongjin, creator of the Basi Public Welfare Alliance and a lifelong sponsor of the panda Basi. Over her remarkable life, Basi survived three near-fatal crises, each time returning with renewed strength. Inspired by her resilience and legacy, YANG envisioned Basi as a cultural symbol whose meaning would endure. Today, her story continues to resonate across borders, establishing Basi as a lasting emblem of peace and human connection.
Under the theme “Basi for the World, Symbol of Peace,” the 2025 forum brought together participants from around the globe to examine how culture and art can help shape a more peaceful world. The gathering champions respect, tolerance, and cross-cultural exchange.
At the opening ceremony, organizers unveiled the Basi Declaration on the Culture of Peace, reaffirming a shared commitment to intercultural dialogue, diversity, and peaceful coexistence. The declaration sets out six core pillars, including developing the Basi Peace Culture, establishing the Basi Public Welfare Alliance, creating the Basi Global Think Tank, strengthening public-welfare action, and advancing international cooperation for peace and sustainability.
With UNESCO’s support, the forum also launched the Basi Global Think Tank. Experts from China, France, the United States, and several other countries took part in high-level discussions on global governance, peacebuilding, sustainable development, and the role of culture in public diplomacy. The think tank aims to promote knowledge exchange, nurture young talent committed to peace and good governance, and deepen international cooperation.
Alongside the forum, the Dehua and Hui’an Culture and Arts Week offered visitors a vibrant program of exhibitions and performances. Highlights included the Dehua porcelain exhibition, a Hui’an traditional costume show, and the artistic production Echoes of Mountains and Seas. Together, these events showcased the rich cultural heritage of the two Chinese counties and demonstrated how artistic exchange can foster mutual understanding.
A true celebration of peace through culture, the Basi World Peace Forum 2025 affirms that dialogue among civilizations is vital to building a harmonious and shared future for humanity. Inspired by Basi’s legacy, the forum aims to strengthen global solidarity and spark new forms of international collaboration.
Media Contact
Company Name: AW Media
Email: Send Email
Country: France
Website: https://www.awmedia.fr/
