ALF President speaks at the opening of China’s first Global Forum for Culture.

Speaking at the opening of the Global Forum for Culture held on the 18^th of May in Suzhou, a historic town near Shanghai China, President of the Anna Lindh Foundation, André Azoulay, considered the role of cultural diversity as a vector for stability and growth in the world.

"It is in the regained and pacified legitimacy of cultural diversity that the world of tomorrow will find the deepest springs of stability and growth," he said.

Opening the meeting alongside the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Yousuf A. Gilani and Chinese State Councilor, Ms Liu Yandong, President Azoulay has described as "historical" the commitment which has been confirmed now by China "to put the dialogue of civilizations and cultures at the top of its new strategic priorities".

Recalling the historical depth, weight and uniqueness of the Chinese cultural diversity, André Azoulay said that "the process launched at the Forum would substantially alter the balance of power between, on one hand, those fighting for an inclusive society that respects otherness and on the other hand, the apostles of hate and exclusion.”

The opening session of the Forum was attended by more than 500 personalities from around the world.