The shortlists for the 1st Orchid Awards, instituted by China International Communications Group (CICG), were announced in Beijing on July 12. 

Shortlists for the inaugural Orchid Awards are announced at a press conference in Beijing on July 12. 

The awards, given in three categories -- Lifetime Honorary Prize, Outstanding Achievement Prize, and Friendship Envoy Prize -- recognize non-Chinese nationals and organizations worldwide that promote cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world and mutual learning between the Chinese and other civilizations. 

A total of 30 candidates, including Rashid Alimov, former Foreign Minister of Tajikistan, David Ferguson, British author and editor, and Martin Azzopardi, a science teacher at St. Margaret College Secondary School of Malta, made it to the lists out of 314 individuals and 33 organizations from nearly 80 countries and regions.  

Lu Cairong, deputy director of the jury of the Orchid Awards and vice president of CICG, announces the shortlists.  

“The shortlisted candidates come from five continents and are involved in fields like cultural exchanges, education, publishing and translation,” said Lu Cairong, deputy director of the jury of the Orchid Awards and vice president of CICG, as he announced the shortlists. “This is in line with the purpose of the Orchid Awards to promote exchanges and mutual learning on culture and civilization between China and the world.” 

Fan Di’an, deputy director of the jury of the Orchid Awards and chair of the China Artists Association, explains the significance of the awards logo.  

Fan Di’an, deputy director of the jury and chair of the China Artists Association, released the logo of the awards designed by a team from the Central Academy of Fine Arts. “The main body is in the shape of a blooming orchid, which represents a man of noble character in Chinese culture,” he said, while explaining connotations of the logo. “It also resembles an open hand, embodying communication via gestures. Meanwhile, the logo showcases the elegance of the dancing posture, symbolizing the charm of the Chinese culture, the spirit of innovation, and the confidence of the Chinese nation as well as the blooming and blending of the flowers of culture, literature and civilization.” 

Chen Shi, head of the secretariat of the awards and deputy editor-in-chief of CICG, briefs the selection process. 

“The establishment of the Orchid Awards is CICG’s response to the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping,” said Chen Shi, head of the secretariat of the Orchid Awards and deputy editor-in-chief of CICG. “It promotes the building a community with a shared future for humankind.” 

The 10 winners will be named at a ceremony expected to be held in September.