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“Cultural Resources for Sustainable Development”
The First “Sustainable China ” Forum
International Conference
Shanghai, April 25, 2008

Co-inviting units:  
The Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs
BNP Paribas Foundation
Academic support:
Shanghai Institute for International Studies
Euro-China Centre for Leadership and    
Responsibility of the China Europe International Business School
Organizing Unit:  Ricci Institute for Chinese Studies
Technical support: Pamir Law Group
With the support and participation of The Jacques Chirac Foundation

The 11th Development Plan (March 2006) commits China to a more sustainable model of development - a model which is less wasteful of precious resources and more guided by the “harmony” principle, which balances the long-term homeostasis of nature and humankind, both on a social and environmental level. By this commitment, China assumes her role as a responsible stakeholder in global governance. China’s developmental problems are not unique, though they are manifested on a local, regional and global scale. “Sustainability” has become the common, pressing imperative of international organizations, public authorities, multi-national corporations, local entrepreneurs and civil societies throughout the world. The magnitude and interconnectedness of the challenge make it impossible to approach it only as a series of technical issues. Of course, technical solutions do need to be devised to respond to problems such as water sanitation, energy conservation, air pollution or protection of biodiversity. At the same time, mobilizing cultural resources that help all participants to meet the challenge with a more acute understanding of the issues at stake will generate increased inventiveness, boldness and a sense of co-operation.

Going one step further, it can be asserted that cultural diversity is a necessary component of sustainable development. Cultural diversity provides a society with a toolbox of attitudes vis-à-vis nature and humankind that can be used and creatively interpreted according to evolving social and technological changes. Today, cultural dialogue provides societies with accrued cultural resources, provided that quality exchanges and in-depth sharing are prioritized.

This International Forum aims to facilitate the mobilization of cultural resources to nurture sustainable development and to turn into a “knowledge network” and a permanent platform for assessing the contribution that China can offer to sustainable development and world governance as a whole, through intercultural dialogue and cross-fertilization.