The first-ever World Conference on Science Literacy kicked off in Beijing. It's attracting experts in science and technology from across the globe to raise awareness and promote their fields. CGTN's Feng Yilei has more.

More than thousand professionals from the fields of science, education and business have gathered in Beijing.

The first World Conference on Science Literacy aims to enhance public understanding of, and participation in science and technology.

A congratulatory letter from Chinese president Xi Jinping to event coordinators says science literacy lays the ground for innovation. And joint efforts are in order.

WANG HUNING, MEMBER, STANDING COMMITTEE POLITBURO CPC CENTRAL COMMITTEE "President Xi recognizes the significance of today's conference and understands the role of public science literacy in building a community of the shared future of mankind. We hope this important platform will invite constructive ideas and suggestions from guests that will lead to enhanced science literacy and common prosperity."

UN General-Secretary António Guterres also sent his congratulations.

He affirms the importance of science literacy for the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.

Guterres also says he appreciates that scientific innovation provides solutions to global challenges, like poverty and climate change.

And this conference, themed "Science Literacy for a Shared and Better Future", seeks to involve every single community that has been left behind.

DR. MARLENE KANGA, PRESIDENT WORLD FEDERATION OF ENGINEERING ORGANIZATIONS "Women can benefit from science and engineering, but they will also lose out. The only way that they can keep up is to participate in science and engineering. I think it's very important in developing countries for women to be involved because the impact on them is going to be greater."

Guests believe enhancing science literacy requires individuals and organizations that can demonstrate how to do so, and make real differences.

They say it's namely a leadership issue.

China has long played an active role and raised its total number of scientifically literate citizens to 8.5%.

It aims to lift that to 10% by 2020 and become a nation of innovation.

SIR JAMES FRASER STODDART, BOARD OF TRUSTEES PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY LAUREATE OF 2016 NOBEL PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY "This is where most of the effort seems to be going into the emphasis on upgrading science to the point. When I meet the young people as I did at Beijing Institute of Technology yesterday, I was like a queen bee, they were so enthusiastic and full of excitement. This doesn't happen around the world."

FENG YILEI BEIJING "Over the next few days, there will be more activities, including seminars and exhibitions to exchange ideas and showcase achievements in specific science-related fields. China's annual National Science Popularization Day has attracted a record number of participants, and the festival is being held along with the conference to put further objectives into practice. FYL, CGTN, BJ."