BEIJING -- The Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting kicked off in Beijing on Thursday, with a focus on the importance of cultural diversity and mutual learning in advancing human progress.

Themed "Safeguarding Diversity of Human Civilizations for World Peace and Development," the two-day event has attracted over 600 guests from 140 countries and regions.

At parallel sub-forums, participants will explore the crucial role of inter-civilization exchange and mutual learning in building an inclusive world and promoting global development and prosperity, cultural inheritance and innovation, understanding and friendship among peoples, scientific and technological progress, and academic exchange.

The event is hosted by the Publicity Department and the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.