" This year marks the 10th anniversary of Beijing Forum. With its overarching theme being “The Harmony of Civilizations and Prosperity for All”, every year Beijing Forum attracts hundreds of distinguished scholars and experts to explore issues of most pressing concern to the international community. In the year 2013, it is particularly urgent to reflect comprehensively and rationally on the major issues of how can every nation remain stable and achieve growth in such a fragile global environment, and how will China’s new leaders lead people to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the “China Dream” in the coming decade. It is with this in mind that Beijing Forum takes “Retrospect and Prospect” as its annual theme this year, expecting bringing together great minds from across the globe to draw historical lessons in order to apply them to the problems we may face in the future. "
– The opening ceremony of Beijing Forum 2013 was held on November 1th, 2013 in Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. Many distinguished guests attended the ceremony.
"The past ten years have witnessed sweeping transformations caused by some of the most significant events of recent times, such as those encapsulated in the war against terror, the international financial crisis, the debt crisis in Europe and America, the rise of emerging market economies, and the political unrest in West Asia and North Africa. Worldwide developments such as multi-polarization, economic globalization and internet popularization have taken hold at an unprecedented pace. These changes have exerted a great impact on global politics, economics and culture. In the next decade, we will be faced with continued adjustments to the international order, as well as huge challenges to the progress of society. Against this backdrop, Beijing Forum will fulfill its commitment to contributing to, and building on the academic discussion of these dramatic transformations. "
– Joseph Reed, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, delivered the keynote speech at the opening ceremony.
"Over the past ten years, there are several significant changes taking place in the area of education. First of all, the number of students has increased dramatically in the global level due to the rapid growth of population and the popularization of education. The attention and investment drawn to the higher education have grown in proportionally. However, owing to the worldwide economic crisis, many institutions in America and Europe are forced to raise the tuition fee and cut down the scholarship. At the same time, the expanding middle class in developing countries are determined to give their children first-class education by sending kids abroad. Now every country is carrying out reformations actively to fulfill the domestic and international needs.
Universities nowadays are faced with fierce competitions and the ranking of universities directly affects the investment and funding they receive. To win an advantage in the competition, the leaders of separate departments should enhance the cooperation between different areas which may produce favorable results. In addition, top universities are supposed to take the lead in sharing the resources and experiences to boost the progress. "
– Malcolm Grant, Provost and President of University College London, Chairman of National Health Service England, delivered the keynote speech concerning the emerging global role of universities.
"The theme of this forum indicates the cross-cultural dialogue is beneficial to the harmony of civilizations and prosperity for all. Universal respect for human rights is principal to pave the way for a harmonious society. China, famous for broad and profound cultural heritage, has taken remarkable efforts to promote the undertaking of religion, human rights and culture diversity. Beijing Forum 2013 shares the similar vision of United Nations, and we hope we can go hand in hand to realize the harmony of civilizations and prospect for all. Chinese young talents and enterprises are encouraged to participate in our projects which aim at boosting the mutual understanding and international cooperation. "
– Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, President of the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, delivered the keynote speech at the opening ceremony.
Updated by June 16,2014
