The First World Philanthropy Forum Held in Beijing

September 5 marked the first Charity Day of China following the enactment of Charity Law as well as the fourth International Charity Day. On the same day, the World Philanthropy Forum, co-organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Tsinghua University and the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF), was held in Beijing.

Meeting site of the First World Philanthropy Forum

Hosted by Institute for Philanthropy Tsinghua University, the Forum consisted of one forum, five sub-forums and three thematic reports. Those attending the opening ceremony included more than 400 Chinese and foreign representatives from Tsinghua University, Peking University, Johns Hopkins University, Rutgers University, the UN system, World Wildlife Fund, Li Ka Shing Foundation, Save the Children, Ford Foundation and other academic institutions and international organizations, and diplomatic envoys from Ecuador, Cambodia, the Philippines and Thailand.

"China and its people have a long history of giving, and China's philanthropy has made outstanding contributions to development of education, health and the environment. The enactment of Charity Law in China will provide a more favorable context for the development of philanthropy in the country." In his congratulatory letter, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed the importance of the partnership between China and the United Nations. At a time when humankind is facing many common development issues, cross-sector and cross-cultural partnerships will be the key. "Let's work together for the peaceful development, human rights, dignity and opportunities for all humankind." noted by Ban Ki-moon in his letter.

Chen Xu, Chairperson of the University Council of Tsinghua University, makes a speech

According to Chen Xu, Chairperson of the University Council of Tsinghua University, "Through philanthropy, we should build a society-endogenous system of self-help and mutual assistance so as to inspire the innovation drive contained in society. In particular, we should make sure that law enforcement and social response develop towards our expectations in the post-philanthropic era. This requires great wisdom of our generation."

Li Xiaolin, President of CPAFFC, delivers a speech

"Philanthropy knows no boundaries. It has become a global value and concept to actively engage in philanthropy. Unselfish dedication and giving across different races, beliefs and cultures has been the sincerest and most distinctive representation of humanity. While there are many types of forces to change the world, philanthropy is the most beautiful one in that it harbors the sole aim of delivering common well-being among the entire humanity." Li Xiaolin, President of CPAFFC, stressed that the World Philanthropy Forum will form a mechanism of holding regular sessions and building up brand and influence to promote the continuous development of China's philanthropy towards a healthy and orderly direction. According to her, the Forum will enable conceptual, academic and practical connections of global philanthropy and spread concerns, benevolences, responsibilities and actions into all sectors of society.

Huang Mengfu, Honorary Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Lester Salamon, Professor at The Johns Hopkins University, and Mark Suzman, Chief Strategy Officer and President of Global Policy and Advocacy of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, made keynote speeches at the opening ceremony.

At the forum, Chinese and foreign guests including Fan Daiming, Vice President of Chinese Academy of Engineering, Qiao Wei, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, Gu Yanfen, Deputy Executive Director of China Red Ribbon Foundation, and Tseng Carter, Senior Member of the Committee of 100, had dialogues on promoting the global role of the development of women, children and adolescents, the participation of market and entrepreneurs, and the engagement of society and social organizations.

It is learned that in promoting academic exchange and talent development, the Forum will organize speeches and discussions on building a world-level academic community, establishing a top academic journal, developing philanthropic subjects, and nurturing philanthropic organizations and professionals of medical and social work. In addition, the Forum will explore into policies and local experience such as poverty alleviation, the development of foundations and philanthropic organizations and social value investing based on the future prospect, the Chinese experience and global governance.

Professor Wang Ming, CPPCC member and Dean of the Institute for Philanthropy Tsinghua University makes a speech

Professor Wang Ming, a CPPCC member and Dean of the Institute for Philanthropy Tsinghua University made a speech, in which he raised his expectations for philanthropy. "Inter-governmental organizations such as the UN system are suggested to place greater importance on the role of philanthropy in global governance. Governments of different countries should step up effort to safeguard and promote philanthropy by establishing appropriate systems and policies." Based on this, the Organizing Committee of the Forum drafted the Declaration of the World Philanthropy Forum with Professor Wang Ming as the lead writer while absorbing opinions from the participants, and officially submitted it to the United Nations.

Source: CPPCC News