Brussels, September 21st, 2024
From September 19th to 21st, 2024, a high-level delegation from the Europe-Asia Center, comprising its Director for Europe Matic Gajsek, Secretary-General Yan Rui, programme coordinator Kira Xiao, as well as former UNESCO Director-General H.E. Irina Bokova and former basketball player Kelanbaike Makan, participated in the 2024 Beijing Culture Forum, themed "Enhance Cultural Exchanges for Common Progress," reflecting the enduring motto of "Inheritance, Creativity, Mutual Learning."
The forum convened over 800 guests from around the globe, including dignitaries from China and abroad, leaders of international cultural and technological institutions, senior officials from China's publicity and cultural departments at both the central and provincial levels, as well as esteemed experts and scholars. Participants engaged in rich discussions on a variety of topics, including mutual learning between civilizations, shared progress, the relationship between spiritual life and industrial development, the protection and inheritance of cultural heritage, and the integration of new cultural business models with technology.
In addition to spectacular dance and music performances, the forum introduced a cultural industry investors' conference for the first time, fostering new opportunities for collaboration.
H.E. Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO, delivered a keynote address underscoring the significance of culture and Beijing's unique role in this context. She stated, "I have visited this historic city many times, which has witnessed over 3,000 years of cultural history. Its contemporary development is closely linked to UNESCO, as it hosts more than 90 universities, over 1,000 scientific research institutes, and thousands of cultural and innovative enterprises."
For press enquiries:
Jonathan Schwestka, Deputy Director for Europe, Europe – Asia Center
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