[Video provided to silkroadexpo.gogansu.com]

At the opening ceremony of the 8th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo on Sept 21, Qu Xing, deputy director-general of UNESCO, stressed the importance of reviving the Silk Road spirit to confront today's global challenges.

"In a world fractured by climate change and conflict, it is essential to revive the spirit that the Silk Road embodies — the circulation of ideas, the openness to new encounters and the power of mutual respect," Qu said.

Dunhuang, located at the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, flourished for over a millennium as a hub of trade, religion and culture between East and West. Today, it provides a fitting setting for reaffirming dialogue and cooperation as keys to building a more peaceful and sustainable future.