Diversity is a basic characteristic of world civilization, and
the progress of human history has been a course of constant
exchanges, combination and innovation between different
civilizations, said Chinese President Hu Jintao in his message to
the 28th
Session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC). The session
opened Monday in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province.
“To strengthen dialogues between different civilizations is
conducive to mutual understanding and learning between countries
and nationalities, and also helps promote the lofty course of world
peace and development,” Hu said. State Councilor Chen Zhili
conveyed his message at the session’s opening ceremony.
China will continue its efforts in environmental protection and
promote the harmonious development of man and nature, Hu said.
The president noted that every country has its unique cultural
and natural heritage, which is not only a precious legacy of that
country or nationality, but also is?a treasure of
humanity.
Many such treasures have been lost or eroded by time and
by human activities, Hu said.
?
“It is an imperative task for the international community to
strengthen protection of world heritage properties,” he said. World
heritage protection is “both a lofty historical obligation and a
necessary requirement to maintain the continuation of human
civilization and realize sustainable development.”
World heritage protection will benefit humankind for thousands
of years. In 1972, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted the Convention Concerning the Protection of
the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which plays an
important guiding role in world heritage protection, Hu noted.
China expects UNESCO to play a greater role in promoting
international cultural exchanges, Hu said.
The WHC session is taking place this year in the 2,500-year-old
city of Suzhou. More than 500 participants and about 260
journalists from around the world had arrived prior to the opening
ceremony.
The main conference venue is the Suzhou Urban Planning
Convention Center, a scenic spot outside Xu Gate on the southwest
side of the Old City. The site is now in the center of a modern,
fast-growing urban area.
More than 180 student volunteers were selected from among
thousands of applicants to assist delegates and other
visitors.
A news center for visiting journalists offers two rooms for
special interviews and 80 seats.
The world heritage exhibition, on the second floor of the
convention center, includes the World Heritage Exhibit, China World
Heritage Exhibit and World Heritage Protection Achievements of
China and a retrospective of the 1st to 27th sessions of the World
Heritage Committee. The exhibits formally opened to locals and
visitors as well as to delegates with the opening ceremony of the
session.
The National Commission of the People’s Republic of China for
UNESCO, the Ministry of Construction and the State Administration
of Cultural Heritage are sponsoring the exhibitions with support
from UNESCO and the Suzhou municipal government.
Youth participation is a notable feature of this year’s session.
Chinese students, joined by fellows from Japan and other countries,
contributed thousands of letters and artworks to the displays to
demonstrate the appreciation of the younger generation for the
heritage given them by their ancestors and Mother Nature. They hope
to help stimulate worldwide interest in the importance of cultural
and natural heritage protection.
China is the home of 29 of the
properties included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The country
has a number of other applications pending and an extensive
preparatory list.
(China.org.cn by staff reporter Li Jinhui, June 28, 2004)
