On June 12, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa celebrated the first International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. It was played at the event a video address delivered by Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The event was attended and addressed by Ambassador Wu Peng, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and ANC National Executive Committee member Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and Principal of the National School of Government Busani Ngcaweni. About 50 people participated in the event, including representatives from DIRCO, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, ANC, SACP, think tanks, the media, as well as diplomatic missions in South Africa.

Ambassador Wu said in his speech that the establishment of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations echoes the common aspiration of people from all countries for promoting dialogue among civilizations and progress of humanity. China stands ready to work with South Africa and the international community to actively implement the Global Civilization Initiative. Together we can foster inclusive coexistence and mutual learning among civilizations, and promote world peace and shared development, thus jointly composing a new chapter for building a community with a shared future for mankind.

In their speeches, Dr Dlamini-Zuma and Professor Ngcaweni noted that the values of dialogue and civilisation run deep in the traditions of South Africa and China, and the International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations brings the two elements together. The international community should seek dialogue among different civilisations and peoples, avoid conflicts and wars, promote harmonious coexistence among civilisations, and achieve sustainable development for human beings.

The participants appreciated China's initiative to set up the International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations. They agreed to foster exchanges and mutual understanding among civilisations to jointly address global challenges.

In September 2024, the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to declare 10 June the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. The resolution was introduced by China and co-sponsored by more than 80 countries, including South Africa.