The scenic city of Hangzhou in east China's Zhejiang Province is playing host to the first World   Buddhism Forum which opened this morning.

Liu Yandong, vice-chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said at the opening ceremony that governments and people should make concerted efforts to ensure religion played an active role in building a harmonious world.

"Buddhism has made an important contribution to world peace and human civilization in history," said Liu. "This forum will play a positive role in exploring how Buddhism can contribute to building a harmonious world."

Tung Chee Hwa, vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, read a congratulatory letter from United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, who said the Buddha's vision of peace could be more relevant than ever before and called on the public to work together towards the common goal of a harmonious and peaceful world. .

Buddhist Master Shenghui, also vice-president of the Buddhist Association of China, said at the opening ceremony that the forum served as an equal, diversified and open platform for talks among those who love the world and all its people. Those with caring hearts and those who respected, supported and cherished Buddhism could all help.

More than 1,000 Buddhist monks, experts in various disciplines and politicians from 34 countries and regions are attending the event from April 13 to 16. The monks will pray for world peace on April 15 in nearby Zhoushan City.

With the theme of "A harmonious world begins in the mind," the participants will focus on three topics: Buddhism's unity and cooperation, social responsibility and the mission to make different nations and religions work for a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious world.

Eight Buddhist disciples from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan proposed in October 2004 to hold a World Buddhist forum in China. The idea won support from Buddhists in Japan and the Republic of Korea.

Sponsored by China's Buddhist Association and Religious Culture Communication Association the forum is the first major international Buddhist conference to be held in the country since the founding of New China in 1949.

(Xinhua News Agency April 13, 2006)