The Olympic spirit and the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind are consistent

Xiao Lianbing: Dear Mr. Papandreou, thank you for being a guest of the Guangming International Forum Dialogue. With the Beijing Winter Olympics just around the corner, let's start with the Olympic movement. On October 18, 2021, the flame of the Beijing Winter Olympics was collected in Greece. As Vice-President of the Olympic Peace Council, please share your views on the significance of the Olympic Games for world peace.

Papandreou: An important aspect of the Olympic flame is to bring hope for peace to humanity. In fact, the Olympics are just one of hundreds of forms of competition that originated in ancient Greece. What makes the Olympics special, however, is its contribution to peace, through which the city-states at war are temporarily truced through Olympic athletics. As early as 776 BC, the ancient Greek city-states agreed that during the Olympic Games, everyone would withdraw from the battlefield, lay down their weapons, and go to the arena to compete peacefully. Since the modern Olympic Games were held in 1896, the Olympic spirit of peace has once again benefited mankind. I remember that at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, North Korea and South Korea joined hands with the Korean Peninsula flag, which temporarily eased tensions on the Korean Peninsula due to the Olympic Games. The Olympic truce tradition was also used in the Bosnia and Herzegovina War, during which time the United Nations was able to vaccinate thousands of children.

The Olympic truce tradition offers an extremely valuable opportunity for inclusion and reconciliation, bringing people together across borders and political convictions, regardless of race or religious belief, and opening a door to more lasting peace. When Greece won the right to host the 2004 Olympics, I was serving as Greek foreign minister and came up with the idea of creating an Olympic Peace Foundation. The IOC gave its full support, with IOC President Thomas Bach as President of the Olympic Peace Foundation, and I have been Vice-President of the Foundation. As we all know, the promotion of peace was the real reason for the establishment of the Olympic Games in the first place. We need to take advantage of this important opportunity to achieve a breakthrough in the resolution of long-standing conflicts.

As the first city to host the Summer Olympics and will host the Winter Olympics, the historic Beijing continues to make history. We also hope that the Olympic torch can continue to convey the friendship of all countries and the peace of the world.

Xiao Lianbing: What are your views on the Olympic spirit and its relationship with the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind?

Papandreou: I highly agree with President Xi Jinping's concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind. I understand that the core value of the community with a shared future for mankind is peace, and the core value of the Olympic Games is also peace. Most of the 78 honorary representatives who founded the modern Olympic Games were directly involved in the international peace movement. Coubertin once said that wars break out because countries misunderstand each other, so we will not have peace until prejudices and misunderstandings disappear. So, before that, is there a better way to protect peace than to regularly summon young people from all countries to test muscle strength and agility in a friendly way?

In this spirit, starting in 2000, I launched the "Olympics for Peace" campaign around the world. Many leaders, including South African Founding Father Mandela, former US President Clinton, Palestinian leader Arafat, and former Israeli President Peres, have participated in the parallel signing of the campaign. Later, I launched the Olympic Peace Foundation. In 2015, together with the daughter of the late Turkish Foreign Minister Kahm, I founded the "Kam-Papandreou International Peace Prize", which IOC President Bach won in 2019. I remember Bach's acceptance speech: "Our mission today is to uphold the ideals and values of the Olympic Games since ancient times and to carry them forward in the world today." Centrifugal forces are present in many ways in today's world, but the Olympics allow the world to come together and compete in peace. "I very much agree with that.

From the ancient Greek Olympic Games, we recognized the common values of humanity, the universal appreciation of beauty, the universal yearning for peace, and the mutual respect and friendship that can be forged among competitors. This Olympic spirit is crucial in today's world. Therefore, I believe that the Olympic spirit and the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind are essentially the same, and countries should respect each other, treat each other as equals, coexist peacefully, and work together to cope with the major challenges facing human society and jointly create a better future for mankind.

Xiao Lianbing: What are your expectations for the Beijing Winter Olympics?

Papandreou: I sincerely wish the Beijing Winter Olympics a complete success and will continue to demonstrate and convey the Olympic spirit of peace.

Now is the time to seek truth, not the moment of battle

Xiao Lianbing: The Beijing Winter Olympics have been held in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic that has ravaged the world for nearly two years, how do you see the impact of the epidemic on human society?

Papandreou: I think one of the important lessons of the fight against COVID-19 is that we are all equals in the face of the virus, and no matter what our country, language, race is different, we can all get the new crown virus. The pandemic has also highlighted inequalities in access to good medicines, good health care systems and vaccines. The world needs to come together and unite to respond effectively to the epidemic.

The global impact of the pandemic continues, and our positive response should continue. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said it was a time to seek truth, not a moment to fight. Such a time should be a time for us to cooperate and cope with each other as human beings. I sincerely hope that all leaders, especially the leaders of major countries like China and the United States, will uphold this belief and work together to fight the epidemic. Outside of the pandemic, we are facing an unprecedented global recession, and we need to think together and find ways to cooperate and reciprocate. We have been fighting the epidemic for nearly two years, and we believe that the necessity and urgency of cooperation are well understood. What is needed next is political wisdom and leadership. There is an old saying in China, no pole Tai Lai. I hope that in the new year, everyone can work together to overcome the challenges brought to us by the epidemic.

Xiao Lianbing: What do you think of China's efforts to fight the epidemic and provide vaccines to developing countries?

Papandreou: China has provided 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine to more than 120 countries and international organizations, and its efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind are obvious to all. China's experience in fighting the epidemic, restoring social and economic order under the control of the epidemic, and ensuring the stability of the international supply chain in the dual-circular economy are all helpful to other countries and have certain reference significance.

As an example, the pandemic has swept the globe and international transport has been severely affected. The China-Europe express train has provoked the "girder" of land transport and become a "life channel" for countries to join hands in fighting the epidemic, which embodies the "sharing" spirit advocated by the "Belt and Road". The China-Europe express train has continuously delivered the epidemic prevention and anti-epidemic materials and production and daily necessities in short supply to Europe in the international community, which has promoted the resumption of work and production and the rapid restart of the economy of the countries along the train to a certain extent, which has had a positive impact on the stabilization of the global industrial chain supply chain and injected impetus into the recovery and development of the global economy.

Xiao Lianbing: In your opinion, what lessons should the international community learn from this pandemic? How to conduct a new global governance in the post-pandemic era?

Papandreou: Countries have different experiences, different systems, and different levels of development in responding to the epidemic, but they can find a common basis for cooperation on the most important common issues, that is, to abandon narrow nationalism and find a cooperative way to defeat the epidemic. Over the past period, voices against globalization and unilateralism have been heard. But I think that at this moment, de-globalization is not a good thing for human progress and prosperity, and the pandemic has once again demonstrated the extent of the interdependence of countries. The problems raised by the pandemic are not globalization per se, but the need for more standardized, coordinated and humane global governance, which also means that we need to rethink the establishment and improvement of more people-centred international multilateral organizations. If unilateralism becomes a long-term trend, it will undermine humanity's ability to cope with global challenges such as climate change and epidemics, and will also trigger mistrust and even conflict.

The epidemic has had an impact on the global economy, and the crisis has affected both the economic field and the social and people's livelihood areas. In the post-PANDEMIC era, countries should prioritize green development and sustainable development projects when resuming investment, and prioritize improving public sectors such as health and education.

The Proposal to G20 Members, which I have just signed, also clearly states that developing and developed countries should take joint action to jointly combat the impact of the epidemic and propose concrete measures for the international community to unite against the epidemic, including supporting the World Health Organization to play a leading role in coordinating international anti-epidemic actions, and taking urgent measures to promote the recovery of the world economy as soon as possible. For example, sharing vaccine patents between developed and less developed countries is a good endeavor. As COVID-19 spreads across the globe, governments have done a great deal of work to mitigate the impact and impact of covid-19 on their economies. However, a global economic dilemma requires a global economic response. Our goal should be to prevent the liquidity crisis from turning into a solvency crisis and the global recession from turning into a global Depression. To ensure that the Goals are met, countries must work together to fight the pandemic and restore their economies together.

The Chinese Communist Party has led China to face and overcome numerous challenges

Xiao Lianbing: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the reality of shared destiny and responsibility for mankind. In your opinion, what is the significance of upholding the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind to win the victory of this century epidemic?

Papandreou: The pandemic, and other global challenges facing us today, have shown not only China but also the world that, despite different development models, we share a common destiny. If we do not cooperate to address these challenges, there will be no future for humanity. Time is of the essence. From this perspective, all countries in the world should contribute to building a sustainable common future for mankind. The pandemic has had a huge impact on the need for a paradigm shift in the way we manage health crises. In addition, urgent action is needed to respond to the crisis, demonstrating the importance of strengthening global governance and close international cooperation. Previously, in my dialogue with Mr. Song Tao, Director of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee, we specifically mentioned that the COVID-19 epidemic highlighted the urgency of strengthening global public health cooperation, and once again demonstrated the significance of the times to promote belt and road cooperation and build a community with a shared future for mankind. In my capacity as President of the Socialist International, I have always stressed the importance of investing in public health systems. It is worth mentioning that the epidemic has persuaded most skeptics who criticize this position.

In the face of the strong impact of the epidemic on the world economy, China's proposition is worthy of attention, placing development in a prominent position in the global macro policy framework, promoting global development to a new stage of balance, coordination, inclusiveness and inclusiveness, advocating genuine multilateralism, promoting common development, and building a community with a shared future for mankind. In the post-epidemic era, mankind should work together to make full use of the wisdom of each civilization, learn from the strengths of all, and work together to solve new and complex problems that we need to face together.

Xiao Lianbing: As the chairman of the Socialist International, in your opinion, is the development of contemporary China a real opportunity or a so-called threat to the world?

Papandreou: In the past few years, I have visited China many times, visited many cities around the world, and seen with my own eyes the rapid development of China's economy and its vitality, which also benefits from the creativity of Chinese society. The Socialist International represents more than 150 political parties around the world, and we believe that strategic dialogue with the Chinese Communist Party is important. We've been doing this for the past few years. I have talked to many friends at all levels in China that the CPC's strategic vision and determination as a ruling party, its ability to mobilize the national force system to solve problems, and the wisdom and diligence of Chinese people are important to China's sustainable development and China's advantages.

The Chinese Communist Party celebrated its 100th birthday last year. Over the past 100 years, the CCP has led China to confront numerous challenges and overcome them through measures such as implementing reforms. The most impressive of all is China's achievement in eradicating poverty, which is not only a great achievement for China, but also a major feat for the world. In the past 40 years, the contribution of China's economic development to the development of the world economy has also been obvious to all. At present, the practice of "common prosperity" in China will be of exemplary significance for solving the problem of unbalanced and unequal development around the world. At the same time, As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China is an increasingly important pole of the international community and should play an increasingly important role in global development and security affairs. For example, China's world leadership in addressing climate change is what the world needs most in the world today. The recent joint statement by the United States and China on this major issue is an important development. China's proposal to achieve carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 has attracted worldwide attention. It can be said that China's ability to join hands with other countries to take the road of green, low-carbon and sustainable development is a major contribution to the world and a huge development opportunity for the world.

"Prosperity and lasting peace for humankind require respect for civilizations"

Xiao Lianbing: The Sacred Encounter: A Dialogue between Confucius and Socrates, created by Wu Weishan, director of the National Art Museum of China, was unveiled at the opening ceremony of the Sino-Greek Cultural Tourism Year last year. Confucius and Socrates were representatives of Chinese and Greek civilization. How do you view President Xi Jinping's initiative of civilizational exchanges and mutual learning?

Papandreou: China and Greece are the birthplaces of ancient civilizations in the East and the West, and the wisdom of the two ancient civilizations has been continuously passed on and carried forward around the world through philosophers and sages such as Confucius and Socrates. Both Confucius and Socrates proposed a universal ethic of virtue. Both civilizations recognize that the prosperity and lasting peace of mankind require the cultivation of good qualities, respect for different civilizations, the search for truth, and the constant search for a harmonious society.

In this day and age, we should draw on the wisdom of civilizations that have stood the test of time and combine the power of modern technology to address major challenges such as environmental crises, digital transformation, wealth and income inequality, and global interdependence. Mutual learning between East and West and promoting peace is of great significance. In recent years, the power of multilateralism and internationalism has weakened, and unilateralism and protectionism have become more and more prevalent. If we look back at the global economy in recent decades, trade liberalization, an open economy, multilateralism and global cooperation have promoted national and social development and raised people's living standards. To successfully promote continued cooperation, it is necessary to continue communication, so as to avoid miscalculation and promote cooperation. I have always believed that at any time, people need good, sincere and open communication between people and countries.

Xiao Lianbing: How do you view the role of President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative in promoting dialogue among civilizations? What can China and Greece do to promote exchanges and mutual learning?

Papandreou: As one of the first countries to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, Greece has benefited from recent developments. The Belt and Road Initiative has promoted active cooperation between China and the EU and created a new communication platform. China and Europe can become better and more comprehensive partners, which requires joint efforts on both sides. The sustainable development of the Belt and Road Initiative requires multicultural participation and contribution, and the key lies in having an underlying structure that can be mutually inclusive, mutually beneficial.

Greece and China can try to build an inclusive underlying architecture by promoting exchanges and mutual learning, bringing many countries together in a common dream and narrative. This requires political imagination, and history and philosophy can be good tools. We might as well imagine the two civilizations of China and Greece working together to create a new world: Pangu in China and Gaia in Greece together, and then Prometheus sent fire to the world and illuminated civilization; Cangjie invented writing so that civilization could be passed on. The myths and dreams of different civilizations are fused together, common prosperity is achieved through mutual learning among civilizations, differences are overcome through unity and cooperation, and finally the United States and the United States are realized. By building this shared dream, I believe that Greece and China can make a unique contribution together.

Xiao Lianbing: During your tenure as Prime Minister of Greece, what impressed you most about promoting the development of Sino-Greek relations?

Papandreou: There are many examples of Greek-Chinese mutual help. In 2011, for example, the situation in Libya was turbulent, and local Chinese citizens needed to be evacuated urgently. The situation was critical and the task was arduous, and the Chinese Government had submitted a request for assistance to Greece. At that time, I was the prime minister of Greece, mobilizing the Greek government and society to fully cooperate with China's evacuation operation. In the end, more than 13,000 Chinese citizens successfully returned to China via the Greek island of Crete. Ms. Zhang Qiyue, then Chinese ambassador to Greece, specifically told me that the evacuation would be made into a movie.

At the same time, China will always lend a helping hand when Greece needs it. After the debt crisis in Greece, it faced the risk of exiting the eurozone, which once caused distrust of government finances. In the face of Greece's financial difficulties, China has been very active in participating in the subscription of greece's newly issued government bonds, and has extended a helping hand to us, not only in terms of financial support to Greece, but also to help Greece revitalize its economy. In recent years, China's COSCO Group has taken over the concession of two terminals in the port of Piraeus in Greece, which has led to a thriving situation in the port of Piraeus, with the number of containers in the port doubling and the trade of ships more frequent. Since then, China and Greece have reached a series of cooperation plans in shipping, infrastructure construction and finance. Not only do major Chinese investment institutions go to Greece to invest, but many private investors also invest in Greece. In recent years, a significant portion of Greek foreign investment has come from China. China's massive investment has injected vitality into the Greek economic development. We also warmly welcome more Chinese tourists to visit the beautiful and historic attractions of Greece.

Xiao Lianbing: I have noticed that over the years you have been very concerned about the growth of young people, created the "EGGER Plan" to cultivate young leaders, and served as the co-chair of the "East Qian Lake Education Forum". In your opinion, what kind of talents are needed in the post-epidemic era? How should education cultivate talents?

Papandreou: Knowing beauty is the premise and key to knowing goodness. In Plato's view, beauty is seen as the sublimation of knowledge, and the understanding of beauty and harmony ultimately points to perfection and justice. These ideas have also been inherited by modern artists and philosophers. As Schiller wisely pointed out in his Treatise on the Aesthetic Education of Man: "It is the short experience of beauty and the development of aesthetic taste that make us sociable, free us from narrow egoism, from dependence on society and material things, which helps to recognize the freedom of others." ”

I have always been passionate about education. As I have told the "EGGER Scholars" many times, I consider myself the privilege of promoting the openness and equity of education by creating institutions like the Open University during my tenure as Minister of Education in Greece. I have always believed that all goodness begins with educational enlightenment and character development. Twenty-three years ago, I founded the Imagine Symposium, where leaders and professionals from different countries and fields gather every year to try to contribute positive ideas to address the great challenges facing the world. We are pleased to see that many of the people who have become national leaders and key decision makers over the past few years have been regular visitors to the Seminar, and many children have grown up with the Seminar.

China has undergone many major developments in the past few decades, and I believe this is inseparable from the importance that Chinese families attach to education. From the perspective of European history, the transmission of the core values of the family is crucial. Both my father and grandfather served as Prime Ministers of Greece, and I myself am deeply influenced by my family's values of fighting for freedom, democracy, and justice. Five years ago, I co-founded a liberal arts education project with a few friends, called the EGGER Project, which aims to connect Chinese and Western. We hope to find excellent "EGGER scholars" in different countries, form a growth community that can accompany each other, support each other, and strengthen each other, so that "EGGER scholars" can be committed to "knowing themselves, becoming themselves, and surpassing themselves". I hope that these Chinese youths will be able to build a bridge between China and the West and further make their own contributions to meeting the common challenges of mankind.

Two years ago, I was invited by an "EGGER Parent" who loves education to become the co-chair of the "East Qian Lake Education Forum", hoping to explore what education should look like in the future. Last year, we also established the "Huamao Meiyu Award" to recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to aesthetic education around the world. The core value of aesthetic education is to help us learn to know ourselves and the world through our senses, and to learn to know ourselves and the world in the interaction between people and nature. That is why in ancient Greece, the Olympic Games were not only sports, but also art, music, literature and drama.

(Thanks to Qian Jing, co-founder of the "EGGER Project", for his strong assistance and translation of this dialogue)

(Guangming Daily)