The inaugural Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo concluded in Dunhuang, Northwest China's Gansu province on Sept 22, 2016, marking a milestone in fostering international cultural exchange.

Over three days, the event welcomed delegations from 85 countries and five international organizations, with more than 1,500 distinguished guests from China and abroad attending this landmark gathering.

Participants engaged in trust-based discussions. At the summit, keynote addresses were delivered by leaders from France, the guest of honor, as well as Nepal, Afghanistan, Cambodia, and Morocco, alongside the head of the World Tourism Organization. These speeches emphasized the importance of cultural collaboration and reaffirmed a shared commitment to deepening exchanges and strengthening partnerships.

A highlight of the expo was the Ministerial Roundtable, which brought together representatives from 21 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. The session culminated in the unanimous adoption of the Dunhuang Declaration, a document provides a strategic framework for cultural cooperation among Silk Road nations and regions.

The expo also fostered mutual appreciation and cultural exchange among the diverse civilizations along the Silk Road. The Cultural Year Exhibition featured over 8,000 artifacts and works from more than 60 countries, ranging from historical relics and fine art to photography and creative designs. Complementing the exhibits were 13 cultural performances by over 1,300 performers from 25 countries, delivering a vibrant showcase of global artistic excellence.

China's Ministry of Culture signed collaboration plans with Jordan and Bulgaria, while Gansu province established 18 agreements with international partners, including governments, organizations, and enterprises. Domestically, 89 cultural industry project agreements were finalized, representing a total investment of 107.8 billion yuan ($14.7 billion).

The expo attracted widespread attention, with over 360 journalists from more than 80 domestic and international media outlets converging in Dunhuang. This global spotlight enhanced the event's profile and underscored its contribution to making a green, healthy, intellectual and peaceful silk road.