The Beijing Forum 2019 kicked off at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing on Friday with more than 500 scholars and leaders from various countries and regions gathered together. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has sent a video message of congratulations to the forum, while Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Leading Group for Foreign Affairs, made the special address. The forum lasts for three days and there are 13 sub-forums, three special sessions and one student forum.