Today we had the opening of the World Family Summit that is being held in Sanya, China. The Minister of National Population and Family Planning Commission of China, Mr. Weiqing Zhang, welcomed all the participants. He said that China was glad to host this Summit since the family is the basis of all human development.

36 children, representing the 36 different ethinic groups existing in China, offered flowers to the authorities present. The Minister said that the children symbolized all Chinese families. “The children represent the happiness and hope inside the families”, said Minister Zhang.

During all day, people from several countries discussed and exchanged experiences on family issues. The Governor of the Rio de Janeiro State, Mrs. Rosinha Garotinho, was also present. She lectured about family and sustainable development.

In the first conference day, four panels were held: Family and Poverty Eradication, Family and Education, Family and Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, Family and Child Health, Youth and Elderly.