China's top political advisory body to hold 21st Century Forum

China's top political advisory body will hold an international conference from Sept. 6-8 to enhance cooperation and understanding between China and the world, said a source from the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Friday.

Distinguished persons and experts from home and abroad will attend the conference of the 21st Century Forum to discuss cooperation under new challenges, said Zhao Qizheng, head of the CPPCC's Committee of Foreign Affairs, at a press conference.

The three-day event will cover topics including sustainable economic growth, climate change, renewable energy, scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation, social security, and global cooperation, Zhao said.

Altogether 43 experts from 25 countries and regions as well as seven international organizations will deliver speeches at the forum, he said.

Six former senior foreign leaders are also expected to attend the opening ceremony of the forum, he said.

Jia Qinglin, member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, is the honorary chairman of the conference's organizing committee, and CPPCC National Committee vice chairman Wang Gang is serving as its chairman.

The 21st Century Forum is a high-level multilateral academic event which aims to improve China's cooperation and mutual understanding with the rest of the world.

Three conferences of the forum have been held since it was initiated in 1996. Its latest meeting in September 2005 concerned sustainable development.

Source: Xinhua