Along with the annual World Day for Cultural Diversity designated by the United Nations, The 2004 Beijing International Culture Forum with the theme of "Cultural Diversity: Learn from Each Other and Make Joint Effort" opened in Beijing recently.

The forum, a bid to provide a platform for Sino-European dialogue in culture, is composed of three agendas: "Sino-European Culture in a time of Globalization, "Multinationals and Diversity: Seeking Cultural Balance between China and Europe" and "Cultural Diplomacy: How to Bridge Sino-European Cooperation". The forum is jointly sponsored by China International Culture Association and Bertelsmann Foundation.

Sun Jiazheng, Chinese Culture Minister said on the forum, China is a big country in terms of cultural resources and market. Presently, its cultural consumption capability is around 80 billion yuan with more considerable potential. Sino-European cultural cooperation has extensive and solid foundation, and a wide range of consensus in promoting cultural diversity.

Liz Mohn, executive vice president of the director of board of Bertelsmann Foundation hoped people with different cultural backgrounds can listen to each other, respect cultural differences and devote themselves to common welfare.

By People's Daily Online