Nishan Forum on World Civilizations to promote environmentalism and women's rights

China will host the fourth Nishan Forum on World Civilizations in Qufu, Shandong province, next month to further promote dialogue among civilizations and uphold Chinese culture, organizers said on Wednesday.

With a theme of "Traditional Culture and Ecological Progress-Marching Towards A Green and Simple Life," The forum will be held in Nishan, the birthplace of Confucius, from Nov 16 to 17, said Zhang Rong, president of Shandong University and vice-chairman of the organizing committee of the forum.

Zhang said the theme of the forum is intended to explore and promote a green and simple lifestyle globally, to better harness our resources and protect the environment.

The forum will also feature a sub-forum on women's rights, which will focus on gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Meanwhile, a global platform will be established in Nishan to promote women's causes worldwide.

Liu Chuansheng, Party chief of Beijing Normal University and also vice-chairman of the organizing committee, said the establishment of the sub-forum and platform is aimed to increase awareness of women's rights protection worldwide.

"The sub-forum is set up also to make the voice of women better heard, and to stimulate the attention of women worldwide," she said.

The First Nishan Forum was held in September 2010, during which the Nishan Declaration of Harmony was issued, calling for dialogue and communication among civilizations.