PARIS, June 14, 2018 -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Tuesday celebrated the first anniversary of its flagship magazine relaunch with the first Courier forum, inviting experts from around the globe to discuss common future for humanity and promote dialogue between cultures.

 

Created in 1948, the Courier was relaunched in 2017 thanks to China's support after being suspended for five years due to lack of funding.

 

The magazine is published quarterly both online and in print in nine languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, Esperanto, Portuguese and Sardinian.

 

"This forum celebrates one of UNESCO's fundamental functions: to be a world forum where knowledge and learning are freely exchanged, where the voice of everyone is heard, where the world thinks about today and tomorrow," said Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO director general.

 

For his part, Zhuang Rongwen, head of State Administration of Press and Publication of China, stressed Chinese government's commitment to strengthen the role of the Courier and create platforms for dialogue between cultures alongside the UN educational organization.

 

Themed "Building a common future for humanity through dialogue and cooperation", the forum organized three discussion panels on common issues, including the human dimension of global challenges.

 

Organized by UNESCO alongside China's State Council Information Office, the National Commission of China for UNESCO and the Permanent Delegation of China to UNESCO, the forum was held within the framework of "Experience China", a series of cultural events that have served as a platform to give foreign audiences access to Chinese culture since 1999.