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Honoring Civilization, Defining Excellence
As the pendulum of history enters the third decade of the twenty-first century, humanity stands at an unprecedented crossroads.
On one side, technological revolutions—artificial intelligence, gene editing, and space exploration—are redefining the very boundaries of what it means to be human.
On the other, geopolitical conflicts continue to intensify, Cold War mentalities re-emerge, and the specter of the so-called "Clash of Civilizations" once again haunts the world.
Where is humanity heading?
How should civilizations coexist?
It is in response to these defining questions of our age that the World Daming Foundation was established—not for power, not for ideology, but to kindle a light of civilization capable of illuminating the future of humankind.
Founded in Hong Kong in December 2025, the World Daming Foundation is far more than another charitable organization.
It is the initiator of a global movement dedicated to civilization, a bridge connecting East and West, tradition and modernity, history and the future.
Our mission is not to export a particular system of values, but to awaken the universal values shared by all humanity.
The Foundation is built upon the philosophy of Civilizational Symbiosis, deeply rooted in the wisdom of Chinese civilization while embracing the aspirations of all peoples.
Inspired by Professor Zhang Dainian's concept of harmonious integration, Master Nan Huai-Chin's intercultural vision, and Professor Fei Xiaotong's celebrated ideal of "appreciating one's own beauty while respecting the beauty of others," this philosophy affirms a simple yet profound truth:
Civilizations need not clash. Diversity need not divide.
Like countless rivers flowing toward the same ocean, every civilization follows its own path while contributing to humanity's shared future.
The Humanity Civilization Award represents the Foundation's first great contribution to the world.
Open to individuals and organizations across all nations, cultures, religions, and ideologies, the Award honors those whose achievements have advanced human civilization.
It is not intended to become an Eastern version of the Nobel Prize.
Rather, it establishes a new standard for civilization—one that measures not only intellectual discovery, but also compassion; not only innovation, but humanity itself.
To ensure international credibility and academic excellence, the Foundation plans to establish an Advisory Council composed of more than one hundred former heads of state and senior international leaders, together with an Academic Committee of over one hundred distinguished scholars from around the world.
The Foundation is committed to creating a lasting home for humanity's collective memory.
The principal museum is planned for Xiong'an, representing China's vision of the future, while a southern branch in Sanya will serve as an international center for annual dialogue among civilizations.
Here, Mesopotamian clay tablets will stand beside Shang Dynasty oracle bones.
Greek philosophy will engage in dialogue with Eastern humanism.
Civilizations will no longer be viewed as competitors on a ladder of superiority, but as constellations of equal brilliance illuminating the same human sky.
Guided by the spirit of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Foundation seeks to establish forums, research centers, and dialogue platforms throughout Central Asia, the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and other historic crossroads of civilization.
Our objective is to transform the ideal of mutual learning among civilizations into a permanent global public good.
The name "Daming" does not represent a particular dynasty or nation.
Rather, it embodies the spirit of one of the most open and confident periods in Chinese civilization.
When Admiral Zheng He sailed across the oceans, his fleets sought neither conquest nor colonization.
They carried friendship, cultural exchange, and goodwill.
That legacy remains the Foundation's guiding principle:
A truly great civilization does not conquer others—it enlightens them.
The Foundation also embraces the contemporary vision of integrating the universal principles of Marxism with the enduring wisdom of traditional Chinese culture, believing that Chinese modernization represents not only economic and institutional progress, but also the advancement of civilization itself.
The World Daming Foundation is rooted in China while belonging to the world.
Its Academic Committee brings together leading scholars from across civilizations.
Its Advisory Council unites distinguished former political leaders from many nations, creating an influential platform for international dialogue beyond traditional diplomacy.
Its independent Selection Committee safeguards fairness, integrity, and excellence by evaluating candidates according to universal standards that transcend ideology.
This three-dimensional governance structure enables the Foundation to combine Chinese cultural heritage with a truly international outlook.
It is not an instrument of governmental public diplomacy.
Nor is it merely an academic institution or a commercial organization.
Instead, it operates according to internationally recognized philanthropic principles while naturally advancing the spirit of the Global Civilization Initiative through mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation.
We live in an age of profound uncertainty.
Precisely because the future is uncertain, humanity needs enduring lights to guide its way.
The World Daming Foundation aspires to be one such light—not dazzling, but lasting; not loud, but inspiring.
We warmly invite everyone who believes in civilization, dialogue, and humanity to walk with us.
No matter where you come from, what language you speak, what faith you hold, or what culture has shaped you, if you believe that dialogue is stronger than confrontation and coexistence greater than domination, you are already part of this journey.
As the ancient Chinese classic teaches:
"When the Great Way prevails, the world belongs to all."
Two thousand years ago, this was a vision.
Today, let us work together to make it reality.