Muhammadrizo Majidi: culture can serve as one of the pillars of dialogue and mutual understanding among the peoples of Asia

In Dushanbe on 25.09.2026, Muhammadrizo Majidi, Secretary General of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, said at a meeting of the Assembly’s Standing Committee on social and cultural issues that Asia is a continent of great civilisation, ancient languages, diverse cultures and historic channels of dialogue among peoples.

He said culture is not only a matter of heritage for the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, but can serve as one of the pillars of dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation among the peoples of Asia. He noted that at the Assembly’s recent plenary session in Manama, a proposal to proclaim a decade of cultural dialogue in Asia was adopted, and the Secretariat was instructed to work closely with member parliaments to prepare the initiative.

Majidi also stressed that peace is not merely the absence of war, but culture itself: the culture of conversation, respect for others, listening before judging, accepting differences and seeking solutions through cooperation. He added that introducing the concept of a “water culture” could broaden discussion on responsibility, consumption, resource protection and cooperation.