The fourth Nishan Forum on World Civilizations, which aims to further promote dialogue among civilizations and uphold Chinese culture, opened in Nishan, Shandong province on Nov 15.

The three-day forum, themed "Traditional Culture and Ecological Progress — Marching toward a Green and Simple Life", attracted more than 250 distinguished specialists and scholars from domestic and foreign universities, colleges and scientific research institutes.

Zhang Rong, president of Shandong University and vice-chairman of the organizing committee of the forum, said the theme was intended to explore and promote a green and simple lifestyle globally, to better harness our resources and protect the environment.

Three topics were discussed during the forum, including ecological wisdom in different civilizations, ecological civilization and simple lifestyle, and ecological civilization and sustainable development.

Gao Shuqun, deputy secretary-general of the Nishan forum organizing committee, said environmental protection would be top of the agenda at the event.

The forum also featured a sub-forum on women's rights, which opened on Nov 16 with a focus on gender equality and female empowerment.

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

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

"The sub-forum was set to make women's voices 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.

Nishan is most well-known for being the birthplace of legendary Chinese teacher and philosopher, Confucious.

The fourth Nishan Forum on World Civilizations opens in Nishan, Shandong province on Nov 15, attracting more than 250 distinguished specialists and scholars from domestic and foreign universities, colleges and scientific research institutes. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A sub-forum on women's rights opens on Nov 16, to focus on gender equality and women's empowerment. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Nishan Mother's Love Academy is launched on Nov 16, which will provide a platform to promote women's causes worldwide. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]