The 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum, hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), opened in Beijing today. 

The forum, themed "Science and Technology for the Future," upheld the banner of building a community with a shared future for mankind and took the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative as its strategic guidance. The forum brought together global minds to advance high-quality development and promote international scientific and cultural exchange.

At the opening ceremony, Wan Gang, chairman of the forum and president of CAST, delivered the opening speech. He put forward four proposals that foster deeper global cooperation and openness in basic research; continuously promote the healthy development of artificial intelligence; care for and support the innovation and creation of young scientific and technological talents; and promote greater openness and collaboration in global science and technology governance.

In conclusion, Wan called on all parties concerned to uphold the spirit of a shared future for mankind, the concept of win-win cooperation and an open and inclusive mindset; to share knowledge and wisdom; to forge consensus and to jointly contribute scientific and technological strength and global solutions to sustainable development; and to jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

The main venue activities of this forum in Beijing will last until Thursday, during which six thematic sessions and three roundtable discussions will be held, interspersed with various cultural exchange activities. 

Over 350 guests from 33 countries and regions will engage in dialogues at the forum. Among them are 14 Nobel Prize, Turing Award and Lasker Award laureates; 27 heads of international scientific organizations; 41 academicians, both domestic and foreign; and more than 200 experts and scholars from renowned universities, research institutions and enterprises. The forum will conclude in Beijing on October 30.

(Cover image from the 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum)