Peking University, Nov.7th, 2014: The Opening Ceremony of Beijing Forum 2014 was held in Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, earlier this morning. Initiated in 2004, Beijing Forum sees its eleventh anniversary this year. Over 300 noted scholars and well-known politicians got together for the international academic exchange.
Professor Zhu Shanlu, chairman of Peking University Council, presided over the ceremony. He accorded a sincere welcome to all the distinguished guests. Looking back the past ten years, Zhu made a high appraisal of Beijing Forum. “With the form of international academic communication, Beijing Forum facilitates the understanding of different countries and civilizations.” As a starting point of the second decade, Beijing Forum 2014 will still endeavor to promote academic development and social progress across the world in order to contribute to the development and prosperity of humankind.
Zhu Shanlu presided over the ceremony
Beijing Forum 2014 receives the support of Chinese government and the United Nations. Liu Yandong, Vice Premier of P.R.China attended the ceremony, reading out the congratulatory letter from Premier Minister Li Keqiang, and addressing her own speech. They both noted that China will adhere to the path of peaceful development, strengthen international communication, and contribute to the harmony of different civilizations. Joseph Reed, Special Advisor of Secretary-General brought the video message from H.E. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations. Mr. Ban said, “We are inspiring global conversation to shape a new universal development agenda.” Beijing Forum provides an effective platform for this end.
Liu Yandong, Vice Premier of P.R.China
Dominique de Villepin, Former Prime Minister of France, and Han Seung-soo, Former Prime Minister of Republic of Korea gave their speeches. They pointed out the complicated circumstances of the whole world, which bring about new challenges and threats we are facing. “We need dialogue, instead of side by side monologue,” Mr. Villepin emphasized, “Harmony is a balance of differences, and it is the result of the knowledge of each other’s culture.”
Dominique de Villepin, Former Prime Minister of France
Han Seung-soo, Former Prime Minister of Republic of Korea
“Beijing Forum nurtures the spirit of mutual understanding and respect between countries,” said Getachew Engida, Deputy Director-General of UNESCO. He highly praised Beijing Forum for the opportunity it offers in global exchange and cooperation, which closely parallels the duty of UNESCO.
Getachew Engida, Deputrector-General of UNESCO
At the end of the ceremony, PKU President Wang Enge acknowledged the participants and supporters of Beijing Forum and wished it a great success.
Wang Enge, PKU President
Beijing Forum 2014 is scheduled to be held on November 7th-9th, 2014 in Beijing, with the theme of “The Harmony of Civilization and Prosperity for All—China and the World: Tradition, Reality and Future," embracing 9 panel sessions and 2 special sessions.
Reported by: Li Ruiqi
Edited by: Choisum Kwok
