Celebrity Media edited and reported based on photos and video clips sent back by CEO Ashley Chen: On April 15, at a key meeting held at the UNESCO headquarters, Celebrity Media CEO Ashley Chen gathered with several renowned cultural and educational leaders to discuss how to enhance global understanding and cooperation through intercultural dialogue and mutual learning. The theme of this meeting was "Intercultural Dialogue and Mutual Learning: A Shared Vision," with Celebrity Media's CEO and other distinguished guests specially invited to participate.

The meeting was opened by Mr. Xing Qu, Deputy Director-General of UNESCO, and included a speech by Mr. Zhang Jianchun, Deputy Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee. The keynote speech was delivered by Mr. Doudou DIÈNE (Senegal), former Director of Intercultural Dialogue at UNESCO and former UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism (2002-2008). Other speakers included Professor Zhao Tingyang from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The meeting was divided into two main forums. The first forum was themed "The Silk Road: A Movement of Cultural Dialogue and Exchange." This forum focused on the historical significance of the Silk Road and its crucial role in cultural dialogue. Discussions explored how ideas, religions, arts, and values were exchanged among civilizations and how such cultural interactions continue to enrich our global heritage. This forum was moderated by Mr. Vincent DEFOURNY, former Director of Communication at UNESCO, with participating experts including Mr. David ABULAFIA from Cambridge University, Ms. Elena PASKALEVA from Leiden University, Ms. Susan DENYER from ICOMOS, and Ms. Zhao Shengliang, Director of the Dunhuang Academy.

 

The second forum, titled "Intercultural Dialogue in Today's World," focused on the challenges of intercultural dialogue in a globalized, urbanized, and digitalized world. Participants explored how technological and educational advancements can be leveraged to develop new skills and methods for intercultural exchange. This forum was also moderated by Mr. Vincent DEFOURNY, with experts including Egyptian Olympian Aya MEDANY, UNESCO project specialist Euan MACKWAY-JONES, Professor Riccardo POZZO from Tor Vergata University in Rome, and former President of the Príncipe Regional Government, Mr. José Cassandra.

Additionally, a highlight of the event was the UNESCO "Messenger" Chinese Youth Art and Calligraphy Exhibition held in the Pas Perdus Hall, which showcased the unique perspectives and contributions of young Chinese artists in cultural exchange.

This meeting not only strengthened international cultural exchange but also laid a solid foundation for future cooperation and mutual understanding.

Following this, on April 17, Celebrity Media CEO immediately traveled to Brussels, Belgium, to attend the highly anticipated international premiere of the film Unconditional at the European Parliament. This award-winning film, which focuses on caregiving and mental health issues, has been Oscar-qualified and has received high praise from the White House, the United Nations, and the U.S. Congress. The premiere was hosted by European Parliament Member Jan Zahradil.

At the premiere, EBC Executive Director Frédéric Destrebecq delivered the opening speech, emphasizing the role of the film in raising public awareness of the importance of mental health. Unconditional was directed by award-winning filmmaker Richard Lui, who spent seven years creating this documentary, delving into the mental health challenges affecting over 100 million people in the United States.

The event featured a film screening, a panel discussion on caregiving and mental health, and a cocktail reception hosted by director Richard Lui. During the event, the director shared the inspiration and challenges behind the film, stating: "This film portrays the courage and resilience of three families facing major life challenges, teaching us to relearn how to love."

The film vividly depicts the stories of three families: mental health expert Kate Hendricks Thomas and her family coping with a terminal cancer diagnosis; Afghan war veteran Luke Buschatz and his family struggling with post-war psychological trauma; and social worker Stephen Ray and his family confronting the challenges of Alzheimer's disease.

Unconditional is not just a film—it is a narrative about love, resilience, and hope, encouraging audiences to find courage and strength in the face of adversity. Its premiere at the European Parliament has undoubtedly paved the way for its international promotion, sparking more discussions and awareness about mental health worldwide.