In just two days, ranking government officials and conservationists from around the world will meet in Suzhou, a world-renowned scenic city in east China's Jiangsu Province, for the 28th Session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC).  

The coming conference is expected to witness the biggest number of participants to discuss the record number of topics on the most extensive scale with the longest meeting period in the WHC history.

Zhang Xinsheng, Chinese vice minister of education and director of the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), will chair the conference, with an aim to protect world heritage for the promotion of common development globally.

"This international cultural conference will showcase China's long-standing history with a profound culture," said Chen Zhili, a Chinese state councilor and also the head of the preparatory work leading group.

"It would also display China's efforts and achievements in protecting the common heritage of human beings," acknowledged Chen. "Therefore, it will further increase China's role in the UNESCO's affairs."

With a civilization of some 5,000 years, China possesses a unique landscape with extremely rich natural and cultural heritage resources.

Back in 1972, an International Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage was adopted at the WHC 17th Session. It designated sites around the world that are outstanding for their cultural values or unique natural beauty and put them onto the World Heritage List.

In 1985, China joined the convention. Within the lapse of about two decades, 29 domestic sites have won the world heritage certificates, making the country rank the third globally after Italy and Spain in term of world heritage possession.

"The Chinese government is a very responsible government," said Zhang Xinsheng, "This conclusion is self-evident with China's commitment and great progress scored in heritage conservation since it joined the convention."

China's achievements and experience in heritage protection has been drawing worldwide attention, which later paves its way to become the host country for the WHC 28th Session.

China began applying to host the conference 10 years ago. With its continuous efforts, the scenic city of Suzhou was designated as the venue for the WHC 27th Conference in 2003, but missed the opportunity due to the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak.

But the Chinese people have never given up their pursuit and attained the opportunity again.

"The world heritage title itself indicates the cultural identity and historical contribution of a country," said Chen Zhili. "The heritage conservation work epitomizes a nation's social progress and educational level."

An ancient city with a history of some 2,500 years, Suzhou is prestigious for its elegant and unique classical gardens, which have put onto the list of world heritage sites. The imminent conference is expected to provide the city of Suzhou and guests from all over the world with a good opportunity for an exchange of their rich and useful experience.

According to the organizing committee, the conference will discuss, among others, the global strategy of heritage conservation, said an official of the organizing committee. "The global strategy will exert a profound impact on the 21st century's heritage conservation campaign and enhance China's role in it."

(Xinhua News Agency June 27, 2004)