City leaders from across the globe gathered in Jingdezhen, China’s renowned ‘porcelain capital,’ to celebrate ceramics as a timeless symbol of cultural unity and friendship. The 2025 Global Mayors Dialogue, held on October 19, highlighted the shared artistic heritage that transcends borders and fosters mutual understanding in an increasingly diverse and complex world. Jingdezhen, located in Jiangxi province, served as the perfect backdrop for this international event, showcasing its centuries-old craftsmanship and innovation. Kagan Mehmet Usta, the mayor of Iznik, Turkiye, emphasized the deep cultural ties between Iznik and Jingdezhen, which were formalized as sister cities in 2021. He noted that this relationship symbolizes a shared artistic legacy that continues to inspire future generations. Nurbaev Niiazbek, deputy speaker of the City Council of Osh, Kyrgyzstan, praised ceramics as a universal language of peace, reflecting a nation’s aesthetics, craftsmanship, and philosophy. He announced plans to invite Jingdezhen experts to train local ceramic specialists and establish a dedicated pavilion for Jingdezhen porcelain at Silk Road trade fairs. Chen Kelong, mayor of Jingdezhen, highlighted the city’s commitment to cultural and trade cooperation, citing its international exchange activities and flagship stores in Dubai and Istanbul. The Jingdezhen International Ceramic Expo, running from October 19 to 22, further underscored the city’s global influence. Tourism in Jingdezhen has seen remarkable growth, with over 60 million visitors in 2024. Veronika Todorova, deputy mayor of Troyan, Bulgaria, expressed her admiration for Jingdezhen’s traditions and expressed eagerness for future collaborations. The event reinforced the role of ceramics as a bridge for cultural exchange and cooperation in the modern era.