CAST&WFSW Exhibition

A REVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF THE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE WFSW AND CAST

On August 13, an exhibition on the history of cooperation between CAST and the WFSW was inaugurated at the China Science and Technology Communication Centre, as part of the celebrations of the 60th-anniversary of the relationship between the two. The WFSW-CAST partnership began in 1964 with the Beijing Symposium, the first major international academic conference organised by China, marking a historic moment in promoting science and global exchange.

Since then, CAST has deepened this cooperation, strengthening international ties in science and technology, promoting world peace, addressing global challenges, and driving sustainable development. Currently, CAST integrates 875 international scientific organisations and annually organises about 800 academic conferences in China.

During the exhibition's opening ceremony, Shi Yigong, Vice-President of CAST, emphasised that "science knows no borders" and that cooperation is essential to tackle global challenges. Jean-Paul Lainé, Co-President of the WFSW, praised the fruitful collaboration between the parties and advocated scientific communication as an indispensable tool for progress, regardless of political tensions. Frederico Carvalho, Vice-President of the Executive Council, made a remarkable reference to the history of the WFSW.

The exhibition featured historically relevant documents, such as records from the 1964 Beijing Symposium and events associated with the WFSW's foundation, highlighting the importance of the partnership in promoting science worldwide.

Among the displayed materials, the first exhibited photograph stands out, taken from a Nature magazine article on the 1946 conference "Science and the Well-Being of Humanity," where the creation of the WFSW was discussed. Another highlight is an image of Zhou Enlai, then Chinese Premier, meeting with international delegates in 1963.

CAST, representing 120 million Chinese workers in science and technology, remains committed to maintaining science as a global force for the benefit of humanity.

The exhibition's inauguration ceremony was followed by a gala dinner.