2016 Nanjing World Historical & Cultural Cities Exposition and International Forum on Cultural Inheritance and Innovation organized by CPAFFC, Nanjing Municipal Government and UNESCO were successfully held in Nanjing from Oct.23 to 29. Mayors, experts, scholars and diplomatic envoys from over 20 countries attended the relevant activities. Mr. Hu Sishe, vice president of CPAFFC delivered speeches at a series of activities.
In the evening of October 23, the opening ceremony of the Exposition was held at Zhonghua Gate. The ceremony combines cultural heritage and new technology perfectly in the ways of fashion show, immersive theater and 3D lighting. On October 24, the Forum of Mayors of World Historical and Cultural Cities was held in Nanjing Museum. Tens of mayors or representatives from both home and abroad participated and exchanged views at the forum under the theme of “sustainable development of historical and cultural cities”. Mr. Hu Sishe delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.
Mr Hu Sishe at the Expo
On October 25, “Shared Memory, Everlasting Friendship: Exhibition of Historical Photos of FAU and UNRRA’s Aid to China” was held in Nanjing Aviation Memorial Hall. Mr. Hu said that Nanjing is a city closely connected with the international community during the Second World War. Also, it suffered the severest invasion and the most appalling Nanjing Massacre by the Japanese Army. The history of the international organizations and friends’ aid to China in the anti-fascist war has become a valuable part of world cultural heritage. After the ceremony, Mr. David Brough, the offspring of FAU and planner of the exhibition gave the audience a detailed introduction of the pictures.
The forum takes “protection and innovation of cultural heritage” as its theme. Mr. Hu said in his speech, “development can’t do without inheritance. However, without innovation, pure inheritance won’t help the culture make progress. That is justified in the five thousand years’ history of China. Since Reform and Opening up, the ancient Chinese traditional Culture rejuvenated owing to the spirit of innovation. CPAFFC would like to take the opportunity of Nanjing Expo to build a platform for exchanges and experience sharing together with Nanjing Municipal Government, Nanjing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Nanjing University. He encouraged the experts and scholars to make new contribution to the common development of world culture.
Professor Peter Stone introduced in his keynote speech the seven threats facing world intangible cultural heritage and the efforts made by Blue Shield Organization in reducing war destruction to the cultural heritage. Professor Tian Qing explained the great role intangible cultural heritage could play in poverty alleviation. After the keynote speeches, the guests made an in-depth discussion taking the topics of “Different ways of cultural inheritance and innovation”, “Cultural inheritance and self-confidence”, and “Practice of cultural inheritance in China”.
The Guests at the Forum
The Exhibition of the Selected Chinese Folk Arts was held during the forum under the organization of CPAFFC and the Institute of Cultural and Natural Heritage of Nanjing University. The ingenious exhibits with vivid images won appraise from the experts and diplomatic envoys. It also laid foundation for the future international tournament.
Diplomatic Envoys with the Folk Artist
After the forum, the experts and diplomatic envoys paid visits to Nanjing Museum, Brocade Museum, Nanjing Massacre Museum and other historical relics to better appreciate its unique and profound culture and history.2016 Nanjing Expo also includes many other activities like Forum of Media Cooperation, “Charm of Nanjing” Art Exhibition, “Light of Silk” Jewellery Exhibition, Silk-road Photography Exhibition and so on.
Nanjing Yunjin Brocade Fashion Show at the Opening Ceremony
