Prof. Shahbaz Khan Director of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia
Editor's Note:
With Spring Festival recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, it increasingly holds global significance. As we enter the Year of the Snake, Prof. Shahbaz Khan (Khan), Director of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, received an exclusive interview with Global Times reporter Ji Yuqiao (GT), and envoys from various nations sent their greetings to Global Times readers and people around the world celebrating Spring Festival, highlighting the festival's role in fostering cultural diversity and global exchange.
GT: How do you participate in the Spring Festival events? What customs of the Spring Festival appeal to you the most?Khan: Having served in China as Director of UNESCO's East Asia Office for almost four years now and as an old friend of China, I have engaged with the Spring Festival in various ways. The festive atmosphere is palpable in offices, streets, and cities, adorned with red decorations, couplets, and iridescent lights. Everyone seems to be wearing smiles, embodying the spirit of joy and unity.
The most appealing aspect to me is the emphasis on bringing families together. During the Spring Festival, people travel long distances to be with their loved ones, sharing meals and creating lasting memories.
GT: The celebration of Spring Festival is becoming increasingly common worldwide. How will the celebrations in other countries interact and blend with local cultures?Khan: For instance, in some Western cities, you can see traditional Chinese dragon dances performed alongside local cultural performances.
The Spring Festival, recognized by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity in December 2024, serves as a bridge that connects different cultures. It promotes dialogue and fosters a sense of global community.
UNESCO has always advocated for the protection and promotion of cultural heritage and diversity. The global celebration of the Spring Festival aligns with our mission to encourage cultural exchanges and mutual understanding.
GT: Spring Festival carries meanings of peace, reunion, and hope. Will the global celebration of Spring Festival contribute to the popularization of these ideals?Khan: Firstly, the Spring Festival's emphasis on family reunion and social harmony resonates with universal human values. The act of coming together, sharing joy, and strengthening bonds is a powerful message that transcends cultural boundaries. It promotes a sense of unity and togetherness, encouraging people to set aside differences and focus on shared aspirations for peace and well-being.
Secondly, the global celebration of the Spring Festival provides a platform for cultural exchange and understanding. This interaction fosters mutual respect and appreciation, laying the foundation for a more harmonious global community.
GT: What role will the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) proposed by China play in the cultural exchanges and understanding globally?Khan: The GCI plays a significant and multifaceted role in cultural exchanges and understanding globally. It promotes respect for civilization diversity, flourishing people-to-people exchanges, advocacy for common values, importance of civilization inheritance and innovation, and building a global network for dialogue and cooperation.
Through collaboration with and support for UNESCO's initiatives, China has been actively spreading GCI's messages and practices globally.
GT: How can ancient traditions like Spring Festival continue to win the affection of younger generations? What role will UNESCO play in the protection and inheritance of brilliant culture?Khan: UNESCO plays a crucial role in protecting and inheriting cultural heritage by supporting youth engagement, facilitating international cooperation, and leveraging innovative technologies. These efforts contribute to building a more inclusive and harmonious world.
For engaging younger generations in traditional cultures, schools and educational institutions can play a significant role by integrating traditional culture into the curriculum.
Encouraging community involvement in traditional festivals is also effective.
We have been employing holistic approaches to ensure that cultural heritage is not just preserved but also actively transmitted to future generations.
Greetings from foreign envoys in China
Russian Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov
Dear friends, I am glad to wish everyone happy Spring Festival, which in 2025 symbolizes the beginning of the Year of the Snake.
The old Year of the Dragon marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China. Under the strategic leadership of President Vladimir Putin and President Xi Jinping, the Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation has reached an unprecedented high level.
—Igor Morgulov
Namibian Ambassador to China Elia G. Kaiyamo
In this new era as proclaimed by His Excellency President Xi Jinping, Africa and China relations are moving in the right direction based on mutual cooperation and win-win friendship.
I wish the Global Times and all its readers a prosperous, healthy and successful Year of the Snake!
—Elia G. Kaiyamo
Peruvian Ambassador to China Marco Balarezo
The Year of the Snake symbolizes wisdom, agility, and transformation - values that are highly significant in strengthening the relationship between China and Peru. Over the past few years, our bilateral relations have reached an optimal state of development, based on mutual respect, cooperation, and trust.
I wish you all a prosperous and happy Chinese New Year, filled with health, success, and prosperity.
—Marco Balarezo
Fiji Consul General in Shanghai Yok Yee Chan
UNESCO recognition would further promote the Chinese Spring Festival at the global level, making more people around the world aware and appreciate the cultural significance and understand better the meanings of celebration.
—Yok Yee Chan
UAE Ambassador to China Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi
I am honored and delighted to extend my warmest greetings to you on the occasion of the Chinese Spring Festival.
This recognition is not just a milestone but a celebration of the depth of Chinese cultural heritage and its universal values, such as family unity and social harmony. These values resonate deeply with people all over the world. We hope to see more Chinese and Emirati traditions included in this list, allowing us to continue sharing joy and dreams together.
—Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi