Marco Polo Drive of Peace retraces ancient Silk Road to promote cooperation

A modern-day expedition is retracing sections of the ancient Silk Road in a bid to promote peace, cooperation and sustainable development across Eurasia.

The Marco Polo Drive of Peace, which set off from Rome on June 13 and will end in Hong Kong at the end of July, follows parts of the historic route made famous by Venetian explorer Marco Polo more than 700 years ago.

Spanning approximately 15,000 kilometers across 12 countries, the initiative brings together academics, business leaders and policymakers to foster dialogue and strengthen ties across the region.

Making the journey are two prominent figures from China and the US, investor Patrick Zhong joins economist and Columbia University professor Jeffrey Sachs.

Speaking to CGTN before departure, Zhong said the experience is intended to embrace discovery.

"It's not going to be about what we're going to expect; it's going to be about everything unexpected," he said.

Organisers say the project aims to deepen cross-cultural understanding while highlighting solutions to some of today's most pressing challenges.

Discussions held along the route will bring together political leaders, business executives, scholars and local communities.

Sachs told CGTN that the initiative is about building cooperation across a region that has long been connected through trade, culture and exchange.

"First, it's a mission of peace," he said. "This means Europe and China and India and Central Asia and West Asia cooperating with each other and Russia and all the parts of Eurasia."

He added that rapid advances in technology are creating new opportunities for countries to work together in pursuit of sustainable development.

"We want to emphasize that we now have solutions in renewable energy, solutions in fabulous electric vehicles, we have solutions in AI and digital technologies," Sachs said.

They hope their conversations will help generate practical policy ideas and encourage long-term collaboration between countries and institutions.

Beyond diplomacy and development, the initiative also seeks to inspire younger generations.

Zhong noted that Marco Polo was just 17 years old when he embarked on the voyage that would make him one of history's most celebrated explorers.

"Be curious, be brave, and this world is more beautiful than you think," he said.

The Marco Polo Drive of Peace is expected to arrive in Hong Kong on July 27.