A special World Leisure High Level Forum was held preceding the Opening of EXPO 2006 on April 22. The event took place in the Hangzhou Great Hall of the People, with a program designed to explore how leisure contributes to human development and well-being with special reference to China.
The program included a report by representatives of the World Leisure Consensus Project on the results of the four-day Consensus Symposium held immediately before EXPO Opening.
The highlight of the Forum was the Keynote Speech “Better Leisure, Better Life” by Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China, Madam Wu Yi who spoke of the importance of leisure in modern society generally, and then went on to describe China’s commitment to improving the quality of life for its citizens in a climate of economic prosperity.
In addition, the international audience heard presentations from Party Secretary of Zhejiang Province Xi Jing Ping, Derek Casey, Chair of the World Leisure Board of Directors and Party Secretary of Hangzhou Wang Guo Ping.
“I believe that developed or under-developed countries, government or non-governmental organizations, enterprises, academic associations, all should be creative thinkers in exploring workable measures to bring leisure to the majority of our people and advocate for civilized and healthy lifestyles.”
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Wu Yi Vice Premier, State Council of China
The Second half of the Forum consisted of reports on findings to date by members of the Consensus Project. Professor Ed Jackson (Canada), Director of the Project, introduced the three-year process designed to discover what can be said about the role of leisure in social, cultural and economic development. In addition to providing a background document for policy makers, program planners and developers, the results will provide a foundation for the evidenced-based “Hangzhou Declaration on Leisure,” to be considered by delegates to the World Leisure Summit in October. Forum attendees heard reports from Professor Tony Veal (Australia) ... “Leisure and Economic Development;” Professor Linda Caldwell (United States) ... “Leisure and Social Development;” and Professor Garry Chick (United States) ... “Leisure and Cultural Development.”
Full text of Vice-Premier Wu’s speech |
