Co-organized by the National Health and Family Planning Commission and the World Family Organization, the 11th World Family Summit opened in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, on December 2. Li Bin, minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), attended the opening ceremony and read a keynote speech from Liu Yandong, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice-premier of the State Council.

Liu Yandong put forward five proposals in her speech. First, it should bring family development into the new international development agenda, strengthening the support to families. Second, it should help poor families escape poverty, especially in solving the problems of hunger, healthcare and children education. Third, it should promote family development, narrow the differences between different regions, push forward the equalization of basic public service and safeguard the legitimate rights of migrant families. Fourth, it should ensure the rights of children, elderly people and women; popularize scientific education, health education and healthcare for elderly people; decrease the death rate of pregnant women and children; create social conditions for healthy aging; and promote gender equality. Fifth, it should strengthen communication and exchange with the international community and share experiences with each other.

Li Bin said at the ministries’ round table conference that the Chinese government has always paid great attention to family development and taken efforts to promote family economy development, maintaining family member health and promoting family harmony. China regards the family as an element in the national development strategy and has improved the family development policy system. It has deepened healthcare reform and upgraded the health conditions of family members. It has taken great efforts in helping poor families escape poverty. It has improved the family planning policy and promoted infant health. It has popularized compulsory education, helping children and teenagers grow up healthy. It has also improved the service of home-based care for the elderly.