Li Ruohong, President of China World Peace Foundation (CWPF) and Beijing International Peace Culture Foundation (BJIPCF), attended the “Role of Women in the Silk Roads” Conference and the Inauguration of the Silk Roads Photo Exhibition as well as launching of the “Youth Lens on the Silk Roads”. Dr. Li Ruohong said in his speech at the event that today, women, in many industries, are playing the leading roles and advancing the economic and social development. However, we cannot neglect that gender discrimination still exists in some countries and some women are still suffering from unequal political status and unfair work and life conditions, their welfare and happiness worth the efforts of us all. Dr. Li also introduced the development status of the themes under the “Interactive Atlas of Cultural Interactions along the Silk Roads” in different countries, how the Silk Roads common heritage had being reflected through the lens of youth’s cameras through the International Photo Contest “Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads” and the global exhibition, and young people’s unique perspectives and propositions. He also advocated for “Letting Young People Save the World”. Ms. Nada Al-Nashif, Assistant Director General of Sector for Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO, and Mr. Reza, renowned photographer, both gave enthusiastic speeches. Mr. Du Yue, Director of Division for Cooperation of UNESCO, Mr. Shen Yang, Ambassador of China to UNESCO, ambassadors and permanent delegates to UNESCO, diplomats from different countries, more than 200 experts, scholars, and photographic amateurs participated in the event and conducted heated discussions.

Li Ruohong and the Assistant Director General of UNESCO Delivered Speeches

Dr. Li Ruohong and Ms. Al-Nashif also held a friendly talk and exchanged ideas on consensus and cooperation. The two parties signed the agreement on continuing collaboration on the development of the Silk Roads and the Youth Space and sharing results of the programs. Ms. Al-Nashif also wrote an inscription, “Dr. Li Ruohong, with deepest respect and appreciation for this great partnership, we look forward to making more in this wonderful spirit!”

Li Ruohong, representing CWPF and BJIPCF, signed an agreement with Ms. Nada Al-Nashif, Assistant Director General of UNESCO, on continuing cooperation on the Silk Roads.

Li Ruohong, Du Yue, and Ambassadors of China, Oman, and Azerbaijan to UNESCO congratulated the launching of the Photo Exhibition.

Friends and guests from various countries and walks of life visited the Silk Roads Photo Exhibition and attended the Role of Women on the Silk Roads conference.