联合国教科文组织东亚地区办事处主任夏泽翰教授代表联合国教科文组织、联合国旅游组织和世界银行在开幕式上发表了讲话。夏泽翰教授指出：“丝绸之路的发展历史讲述了人类在相互学习中不断进步的故事，也告诉我们，没有哪一种文明可以在孤立中繁荣。各种文明相互影响、相互补充，在这个相互丰富的过程中共同发展。”
鉴于他对甘肃省的显著贡献，夏泽翰教授被甘肃省政府任命为“敦煌文化传播大使”。甘肃省省长任振鹤先生在仪式上正式颁发聘任证书。
夏泽翰教授表示联合国教科文组织支持敦煌建立世界多元文化中心，并将在促进文化间的交流与对话中发挥更大作用。
UNESCO’s Support to Gansu Recognized at the Opening Ceremony of the 7th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo
Dunhuang, Gansu Province - September 21, 2024, the 7th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo commenced with a resounding inauguration at the Dunhuang International Convention and Exhibition Center. The event was graced by the presence of over 800 esteemed guests representing more than 50 countries, regions, and international organizations, all converging to celebrate cultural diversity and exchange.
Professor Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, delivered the opening address on behalf of UNESCO, the UN Tourism Organization, and the World Bank. In his speech, Professor Khan remarked, “the development history of the Silk Road tells the story of humanity’s continuous progress in mutual learning, and also teaches us that no civilization can prosper in isolation. Various civilizations influence and complement each other in a mutually enriching process”.
In recognition of his significant contributions to Gansu province, Professor Shahbaz Khan was invited to be the "Dunhuang Cultural Communication Ambassador" by the provincial government. The honor was formally bestowed upon him by Mr. Ren Zhenghe, Governor of Gansu Province, during the ceremony.
Professor Khan articulated UNESCO's commitment to support Dunhuang in establishing a world center for multicultural exchange and playing a greater role in promoting exchanges and dialogues among cultures.
