The opening ceremony of the 8th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo. [Photo provided to silkroadexpo.gogansu.com]

The 8th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo opened on Sept 21 in Dunhuang, Gansu province, attracting the participation of over 1,200 guests from 97 countries and eight international organizations.

Hosted by the Gansu Provincial Government under the theme Strengthening Cultural Exchange and Promoting Mutual Learning among Civilizations, the expo aims to carry forwards the Silk Road spirit, deepen cooperation and foster dialogue.

Tie Ning, vice-chairperson of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, highlighted Dunhuang's role as a crossroads of East-West civilizations and expressed the hope that the event would contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Located at the gateway of the ancient Silk Road, Dunhuang thrived as a hub where caravans, merchants and pilgrims once converged. Its famed Mogao Caves, home to thousands of Buddhist murals and statues, are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and stand testament to centuries of cultural exchanges. Today, the city continues to symbolize openness and dialogue across civilizations.

Joseph Isaac, speaker of the House of Assembly of the Commonwealth of Dominica, noted that while success required vision and leadership, it was global cooperation and real action that could ensure the 21st-century Silk Road became "a road of economic opportunities for the common man".

Joseph Isaac, speaker of the House of Assembly of the Commonwealth of Dominica, addresses the opening ceremony. [Photo provided to silkroadexpo.gogansu.com]