Academics specializing in six ancient civilizations will attend a forum in the city of Qufu, the?hometown of the philosopher Confucius in Shandong province in May, according to organizers of the forum.

Experts on the Egyptian, Babylon, Indian, Chinese, Greek and Mayan civilizations will attend?the second Nishan Forum on World Civilizations held from May 21 to 23. The?forum is?dedicated to promoting dialogue among civilizations

A total of 136 people, including officials and scholars from 22 countries and regions, are expected to attend the forum,?said Xie Zhixiu, deputy chief of the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and one of the forum's organizers.

The Nishan Forum is?named after Ninshan Mountain, where Confucius is believed to have been born.