The World Philanthropy Forum co-hosted by CPAFFC, Tsinghua University and China Soong Ching Ling Foundation was held in Beijing on Sept. 5th. The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon sent a congratulatory letter to the forum. President Li Xiaolin attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon sent his wishes for a successful forum. He said in his letter, “ China and its people have a long tradition of giving, and Chinese philanthropy has made significant contributions to education, health and the environment. Now there are many areas pressing human need. Partnerships among stakeholders across diverse sectors and cultures will be critical for lasting solutions. Let us work together to advance peace, development, human rights, dignity and opportunity for all.”
President Li briefed the famous philanthropy projects carried out by CPAFFC in recent years, and made a detailed introduction about the cooperation with UN “Every Woman Every Child” Initiative. She called for the engagement of all people of vision to join “Every Woman Every Child” China Partnership Network, to make contribution to the development of the lofty cause--promoting the health of women, children and adolescents worldwide. She pointed out that the philanthropy cause in China had achieved great progress in these years, however, there still remained problems. This forum had provided an international exchanges cooperative platform for the philanthropy institutions, enterprises, organizations and individuals who were devoted to philanthropy in China, which would promote the our philanthropy cause to develop vigorously in a healthy and orderly way.
The participants of the forum included the top scholars and practitioner of philanthropy on a global scale, as well as representatives of all fields. Fruitful exchanges and discussion have been made to strengthen international academic exchanges in the philanthropic field, and endeavor to facilitate China's participation in the United Nations initiative of creating a bright future where everyone is free from want, has opportunities of development, and lives with dignity. The guests of honor present at the opening ceremony also include Mr. Huang Mengfu, Vice Chairman of the 10th, 11th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC); Honorary Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce, Mr. Qi Mingqiu, Executive Vice Chairman of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, Ms. Chen Xu, Chairman of University Council of Tsinghua University, Ms. Rana Flowers, United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i.; United Nations Children’s Fund in China Representative, Mr. Mark Suzman, Chief Strategy Officer and President of Global Policy & Advocacy of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Mr. Lester M Salamon, Professor of The Johns Hopkins University etc.
After the opening ceremony, Deputy Director General Ji Yongjun hosted the main forum with the theme of “Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health”.