Distinguished Women Parliamentarians and Ministers,

Dear Friends,

The Asian Women Parliamentarians' and Ministers' Conference is a significant event sponsored by the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD), and I am glad that the 5th Asian Women Parliamentarians’ and Ministers’ Conference is being held here in Beijing. On behalf of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and in my own name, I wish to extend sincere congratulations on the opening of the conference and a very warm welcome to all the conference participants.

Since its founding, AFPPD has committed itself to encouraging parliamentarians from the Asia-Pacific countries to get involved in population and development activities. It urges countries to carry out the Action Plan of the International Conference on Population and Development and meet the UN Millennium Development Goals. China is one of the founders of AFPPD and we are glad to see that this forum has over the past two decades grown into an important platform of exchanges and cooperation for Asian parliamentarians and ministers in the fields of population and development. An important AFPPD event in recent years, the Asian Women Parliamentarians’ and Ministers’ Conference has played an active role in promoting dialogue, exchanges and cooperation among women parliamentarians and ministers on population and development, advocating gender equality and advancing the cause of development for women.

During the conference, in-depth discussions will be held on "Educational Empowerment for Women and Girls—a Prerequisite for Development". The conference will provide new perspectives on issues relating to women and population development and explore ways to address them. I am sure it will also enhance mutual understanding, trust and friendship among women parliamentarians and ministers in the Asia-Pacific region.

I sincerely wish the 5th Asian Women Parliamentarians' and Ministers' Conference every success and all conference participants a pleasant stay in Beijing.