Peking University, Dec. 24, 2010: Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister, has joined the International Advisory Board of Beijing Forum, according to a press release by the Beijing Forum Secretariat on Dec. 24.

The latest move for further cooperation between Blair, his foundation, and Peking University was arranged under the invitation of PKU President Zhou Qifeng, chairman of the academic committee of Beijing Forum. This marks a significant promotion of the brand of Beijing Forum with extending global influence.

PKU President Zhou Qifeng and Tony Blair at Beijing Forum 2010

On Nov. 7 this year, Blair was a specially invited speaker at the closing ceremony of Beijing Forum 2010 to deliver a speech titled “Challenges and Opportunities in a Globalized World.” Blair said in the speech that he was very much pleased and thrilled to see that Beijing Forum 2010 took “the harmony of civilizations and prosperity for all” as its theme, which bore significant meanings of now and the future. He believed that the profound culture and philosophy of China will be the key to addressing many current global issues. It was well interpreted by Beijing Forum, which consistently advocated cross-cultural exchange and dialogues among civilizations and made a great contribution to the world’s peace, harmony, and development.

The partnership between Beijing Forum and the Tony Blair Faith Foundation was officially established this year. They jointly hosted the panel session of “Faith and Responsibilities: Spiritual Reflections on Global Issues” during the Beijing Forum this year. As founder and patron of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, Blair paved the way for further and closer cooperation between the two by joining the international advisory board of Beijing Forum.

The board is an important strategy advisory organ of Beijing Forum. Its members have provided suggestions and guidance for significant decisions of the forum, direction of strategic development, and invitation of keynote speakers, extending the global influence of Beijing Forum. Up till now, the international advisory board features many world celebrities including Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa, Ernesto Zedillo, former president of Mexico; Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Thai Princess, Joseph Verner Reed, United Nations under-secretary-general, Marshall S. Smith, senior counselor to the US Secretary of Education, Richard Levin, president of Yale University, Wang Qishan, vice premier of China (then mayor of Beijing); Han Qide, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, and Luo Haocai, former vice chairman of CPPCC National Committee.

Extended Reading:

Tony Blair: Challenges and Opportunities in a Globalized World

Peking University, Faith, and Globalization

A Collection of PKU News Coverage of Beijing Forum 2010

Translated by: Chen Long
Edited by: Jacques
Source: PKU News (Chinese)