Confucius' idea of "harmony without uniformity" offers a way to find common ground amid differences and live together while respecting cultural diversity, said Azerbaijani sinologist Aliyev Agshin, head of the Department of Azerbaijani Language, School of Asian Studies, Beijing Foreign Studies University, during the Nishan Forum on World Civilizations on Sept 28.

He said he believes China's Global Civilization Initiative is a modern expression of this idea, highlighting the importance of dialogue, coexistence and cooperation in today's world.

The forum, held in Qufu, Shandong province, the hometown of Confucius, on Sept 28-29, was centered on the theme of "Civilization, Order and Justice" and brought together distinguished experts and scholars from all corners of the globe to discuss dialogue among civilizations, coexistence and cooperation.