Hosted by Ocean University of China, the Dialogue on Maritime Civilization opened on Sept 17 in Qingdao West Coast New Area.

The event, held concurrently with the 2026 Ocean Cooperation Development Forum, drew scholars and experts from over 20 countries and regions across five continents.

Attendees explored marine heritage, port-industry-city integration, ecological preservation, and cultural tourism development, engaging in dynamic panel discussions centered on building marine community consensus and sustainable maritime cooperation.

Significant achievements were unveiled during the conference, highlighting China's ecological practices in Shandong's Weihai, China's marine culture research during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period, and economic insights regarding the Maritime Silk Road.

Furthermore, several projects were promoted, highlighted by the Promotion of the Ocean Decade Shell Carving Public Welfare Campaign and the public exhibition phase of the top 20 candidate icons for Shandong Maritime Culture Identity Project.

By bridging historical archaeological dimensions with contemporary ocean governance issues, this international dialogue expanded intellectual resources, reinforcing global partnerships for a shared maritime future.

At the first keynote dialogue, domestic and foreign guests dive into the historical context and modern-day practices of maritime civilization. [Photo/WeChat account: qdxihaianfabu]