The 16th International Week of Science and Peace opened in Beijing Sunday with the theme of Science, Peace, Cooperation and Development.

"The world is experiencing rapid scientific and technological progress in the new century," said He Luli, vice-chairwoman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, at the opening ceremony. "The Chinese people will pursue peaceful development to promote world peace."

From November 7 to 14, scientific and technological fairs, academic lectures and exhibitions on technical innovation, aerospace resources, women and children, agriculture and health will be held across China.

In 1988, the 43rd United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution proclaiming the week in which November 11 falls as International Science and Peace Week.

During this time, the member countries hold activities educating the public on the role science and technology plays in the maintenance of world peace and social development.

Since 1989, more than 100 million Chinese people and foreign delegates have taken part in these activities.

(Xinhua News Agency November 8, 2004)