China and UNESCO: a new phase of cooperation in science, education and culture — from Global South scholarships to the first Category I STEM institute in Asia Pacific
Artificial intelligence and 3D modeling for Mogao Caves protection, scholarship programs for youth from developing countries, and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) as a response to climate and geopolitical challenges — China and UNESCO are expanding their partnership.
As reported by CCTV+, UNESCO Director for East Asia Shahbaz Khan stated that China has always been a crucial partner for UNESCO, and the organization is now facilitating further cooperation with China in science, education, culture and other fields. In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), Khan emphasized the importance of deepening understanding of different civilizations and respecting the diversity of world cultures today.
"Climate change is an existential threat to humanity, and of course wars and geopolitical challenges still remain, so the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) is more important than ever. We need cross cultural dialogue. If we talk to each other, we can overcome many of these differences. If we understand each other, our civilizations, then there will be a better future for all. And we can create opportunities for sustainable development," he said.
Khan noted that China's long tradition of innovation, from papermaking to artificial intelligence, is driven by its culture. Using technology to preserve cultural heritage offers valuable lessons for developing countries. "Following the footsteps of long traditions of innovation, traditions of respect for knowledge and applying science and technology, like papermaking or printing in China, right up to AI — all this is also guided by Chinese culture. China is one of the largest developing countries, but it is also at the forefront of technology. China is actively applying science and technology to conservation. Using AI and 3D modeling — you can see all the Mogao Caves on your computer in an amazing way. Also the connection with remote sensing technology and nature conservation. We already have such wonderful examples from China that can be useful for developing countries around the world," Khan said.
Practical cooperation between China and UNESCO in recent years has yielded several important new initiatives: joint scholarship programs to help young people, especially from Global South countries, study agriculture and advanced technologies in China; and platforms through Chinese research institutes to protect cultural heritage using science and technology.
"During our Director General's visit last month, we had several high level meetings that will advance joint development in education, culture, and science and technology. There is already a fine example — the new institute in Shanghai (UNESCO International Institute for STEM Education), which is a very large investment by China into the world," he said. The institute, established in Shanghai in September 2025, is the first Category I institute created by UNESCO in the Asia Pacific region. Its goal is to build a world class research and cooperation platform to develop students' innovative thinking, problem solving skills and social responsibility in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
A number of high level cultural events are also taking place as examples of the dialogue of civilizations. The International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations opened on Wednesday in New York. From June 2 to 4, the third World Conference of Sinologists was held in Dunhuang, Gansu Province. And from Tuesday to Wednesday, the second World Conference on Classical Studies, co organized with Greece, took place in Athens.
China, which once gave the world paper and printing, is now at the forefront of artificial intelligence and digital heritage preservation. When these technologies serve cross cultural dialogue, and scholarships open doors for Global South students, more than cooperation is born — a shared future is born. Perhaps it is in such an alliance of science, education and mutual respect that the real answer to climate and geopolitical challenges lies.
