The 2004 World Family Summit will be held in Sanya City of Hainan Province, south China, from Dec. 6to 9, marking the 10th anniversary of the International Family Year, said a Chinese family planning official in Beijing on Friday.

More than 250 officials and experts from some 60 countries, non-governmental organizations and international institutions have applied to attend the meeting, co-sponsored by the World Family Organization, China's State Population and Family Planning Commission and the All-China Women's Federation, said Xi Xiaoping, director of the federation's press department.

The participants will review and assess the achievements and experiences the World Family Organization has gained over the past10 years and hold discussions on how to improve family life to facilitate social progress, Xi said, adding that a Sanya Declaration is expected.

Founded in 1947, the World Family Organization has 47 members. China joined the organization in 2001 and became an executive council member the following year.

(Xinhua News Agency November 27, 2004)