Influential politicians, experts and leaders from international think tanks and organizations gathered at Tsinghua University in Beijing for the 6th World Peace Forum that opened on Saturday.

On top of the agenda were challenges to international security and the need for cooperation to address unconventional threats. In 2016 alone, some 20,000 people were killed by terrorist attacks across the world.

Among the forum’s high-profile participants is former Afghan president Hamid Karzai, who called on countries to work together to contain extremism that has now spread to Europe and the United States. 

Afghanistan has been one of the fronts in the fight against terrorism. Just days before the forum, a car bombing in Afghanistan’s southern Hemland Province killed at least 29 people and about 50 others were wounded.

“The security of one nation cannot be established upon the unrest of others. No one can remain unharmed in the face of global challenges,” said Zhang Yesui, China’s vice foreign minister. 

“While seeking development and security for oneself, we should also take into consideration the development and security of others. In this way we will spearhead a path to security that is based on mutual benefits,” said Zhang.