Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu delivers a speech at the 16th congress of the International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences (IUAES) which opened in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on July 27, 2009. It was the first time for the congress to be held in China. Its first meeting was held in London in 1934. (Xinhua/Li Mingfan) Photo Gallery>>>

    By Xinhua writers Zhao Ying, Wu Xiaoyang and Liu Juan

    KUNMING, July 27 (Xinhua) -- China solicited world opinions on improving coexistence between diversified cultures as the 16th congress of the International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences (IUAES) opened here on Monday.

    "The Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of anthropological and ethnological sciences, and actively promotes theoretical studies, innovation and application," said Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu at the opening ceremony of the conference, known as the "Olympics" of anthropology and ethnology.

    Noting that cultural difference is the fundamental character of the the mankind, and the key impetus of human progress, Hui said "pushing forward dialogues and cooperation among different civilizations is the joint responsibility of individuals and governments."

    The vice premier praised IUAES for its role in improving world-wide academic research, and hoped participants to make the congress an influential event that will contribute to the development of anthropology and ethnology, and to the building of a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious world.

    Hui also thanked international experts and scholars for their unremitting research efforts of topical world issues and difficulties facing the human being.

    The five-day event, with the themes of humanity, development and cultural diversity, provided a platform for more than 4,000 international experts and scholars to discuss research in relevant fields.

President of the International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences (IUAES) Luis Alberto Vargas delivers a speech at the 16th congress of IUAES which opened in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on July 27, 2009. It was the first time for the congress to be held in China. Its first meeting was held in London in 1934. (Xinhua/Li Mingfan) Photo Gallery>>>

    Activities to be held during the event, co-sponsored by China Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences, include keynote speeches, lectures, panel discussions, exhibitions and field trips.

    "Such a big event could not have happened some 20 years ago in China. It's good for the government to allow people in after the Tibet riot last year and the Urumqi violence earlier this month," said Michael Coldsmith, associate professor of anthropology with the University of Waikato in New Zealand.

    "This gesture shows China is willing to listen to different international voices from the world and is a step forward in allowing large-scale academic exchanges," he said.

    IUAES President Luis Alberto Vargas warmly enthused about the start of the congress which was postponed for almost a year, saying people who are studying, teaching and researching in associated fields are now had the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences.

    Anthropology was like "a mirror" that reflected the past and present of mankind, and diversities in biology, mentality and social culture, said Vargas. The more experts conducted research, the more they got to know and respect lifestyles of various ethnic groups.

    "Results of research by world experts has provided significant theoretical guidance and intellectual support for policy-making on ethnic affairs," said Qin Guangrong, governor of Yunnan Province.

    Yunnan Province, home to 26 nationalities, is unique in an anthropological sense.

    "Local governments there have been seeking harmony among various ethnic groups while showing sincere respect for cultural differences," Qin said.

    It is the first time the congress has been held in China since its inception in London in 1934 and only its third time in a developing country.

    Anthropologists are focusing now on the application of theories to equip a rapidly-changing society that encounters both opportunities and challenges, said Tanzen Lhundup, a professor with the social economic institute of China Tibetology Research Center.

    "All experts, no matter how different their opinions are, hope to provide constructive suggestions to help retaining cultural diversity and social harmony," Tanzen Lhundup said.

    The Chinese government is now paying more attention to academic research about peoples and their societies which is vital to policy-making, said Hao Shiyuan, vice-chairman of the congress organizing committee.

    "Experts and scholars are enjoying more freedom in research and I expect frequent exchanges between the government and researchers in the future," said Hao, who is also the director of the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Experts and scholars from over 100 countries and regions attend the 16th congress of the International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences (IUAES) which opened in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on July 27, 2009. It was the first time for the congress to be held in China. Its first meeting was held in London in 1934. (Xinhua/Li Mingfan) Photo Gallery>>>