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)