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When the world is once again
overshadowed by the threat of war,
people often assume that everything must
stop—culture must pause, exchanges must
pause, and dialogue between people must
pause.
Yet history has repeatedly shown the
opposite: it is precisely on the edge of
war that humanity needs to meet one
another the most.
The great writer Fyodor Dostoevsky, in
his exploration of the timeless themes
of war and peace, reminds us that this
tension between conflict and
reconciliation has always been part of
the human story.
Regarding the current tensions between
the United States and Iran,
Mr. Chen Jianlong offers five
reflections:
First, war is never the end, but
an extreme method by which humanity
seeks a new order.
Behind every conflict lies a signal to
the world that the old balance has
failed and that new understanding and
cooperation must emerge.
Second, modern technology has
changed the nature of warfare.
Advances in high technology have made
military operations increasingly
precise, reducing civilian casualties to
some extent. Yet technological progress
does not mean humanity should grow
accustomed to war. On the contrary, it
reminds us how precious peace truly is.
Third, what ultimately resolves
conflict is not artillery, but dialogue.
Political, cultural, and economic
exchanges are essential foundations for
any stable global order.
Fourth, culture is the
gentlest—and most enduring—force.
Film, art, ideas, and stories allow
people from different nations to see one
another. When people begin to understand
each other’s stories, war becomes far
less likely.
Fifth, therefore, the darker the
shadow of war, the more urgently the
world needs a stage for peace.
For this reason,
the Dubai Falcon International Film
Festival,
together with
the 5th Asia International Youth Film Festival,
must proceed as scheduled.
From April 10 to April 16,
a grand international festival and cultural exchange event
—an investment of $70 million
—will take place in Dubai.
This will not merely be a celebration of
cinema,
but a global gathering for peace.
Political figures, thinkers, and
cultural leaders from different nations
and perspectives will be invited to sit
at the same table.
Here, people will not appear as rival
camps, but as human beings, united by
one shared question:
Where is our world heading? What kind of
future are we leaving for the
generations that follow us?
During the festival, a symbolic dialogue
forum will also be held
—the Dubai Presidents Forum.
Former political leaders, public
figures, and social thinkers from around
the world will participate in what may
be described as a
“Crossroad Discussion”
—a conversation at the historical
intersection of war and peace—to explore
new pathways toward global stability and
cooperation,
At the same time, a new international
civic platform will be officially
announced during the festival:
the World People’s Party.
This will be a global civic initiative
composed of former political figures,
social leaders, and public intellectuals
from multiple countries. Although many
of them no longer hold official office,
they retain deep political experience
and international influence, as well as
strong relationships with current
national leadership circles.
The mission of this platform is simple:
When political systems struggle to speak
with one another,
the people must continue the dialogue.
The world has never been made only of
nations.
It is first and foremost made of
people—of all of us.
Wars may occur.
Conflicts may arise.
But humanity will always find places to
meet—
to discuss peace and to reflect on the
future of our civilization.
Perhaps around the traditional
conference table.
Perhaps before a beachside cinema screen
at Atlantis in Dubai.
Perhaps through the global connection of
millions of Apple phones linking people
across continents.
When the lights rise and people around
the world focus on the opening moment of
this gathering, we will remember
together:
Peace is not the opposite of war.
Peace is the miracle humanity continues
to create in the spaces between wars.
May the world be safe.
May the people live in peace.
May the future belong to a humanity that
continues to understand one another.
Chen Jianlong
Chairman, Akmar International |