The 14th general meeting of the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) ended in Beijing Sunday by releasing a declaration promoting global scientific advancement, openness and cooperation.

The declaration advocates the improvement of living standards through scientific and technological advancement, protection of ecosystems and the sustainable development of society.

It also declares that the scientific community needs to work to gradually narrow the gap of research capabilities between developing and developed countries.

It suggests that every nation attach greater importance to the development of science, technology and education as the most direct route to prosperity.

The declaration says that international cooperation and exchange are effective ways addressing the common problems of developing countries.

Meanwhile, the TWAS encourages centers of scientific excellence in the developing world to offer research fellowships to scientists working in universities and research institutes in scientifically less-developed nations.

The TWAS, a non-governmental organization which was initiated by Nobel physics laureate, Abdus Salam, of Pakistan, was established in November 1983. It has 626 academicians from 77 countries and regions. A total of 89 Chinese scientists have been elected academicians.

The general meeting of the TWAS, with a mission of promoting scientific exchange and cooperation in the developing world, consisted of working meetings, lectures, a ceremony celebrating its 20th anniversary of its founding, a SARS symposium and a forum of science and technology ministers.

(Xinhua News Agency October 20, 2003)