Japan, China Eager To Host Next WCF

Jakarta, Dec 4 (Antara) - Japan and China are eager to host the second World Culture Forum (WCF) in 2015, although it will be rather difficult for them to do so, Deputy Culture and Education Minister Wiendu Nuryanti, said on Wednesday. "Japan and China do want to host the second World Culture Forum in 2015, but it might be somewhat difficult to materialize because the WCF is not a rotating trophy," Wiendu said. She noted that the second forum would take place in Indonesia, but the two counties could act as co-hosts. Wiendu also stated that although there had been many shortcomings, the first World Culture Forum in Bali, which was held from Nov. 23 to 27, had been successful in general. Nobel laureate Amartya Kumar Sen, who had attended the first WCF in Bali, had praised the forum and emphasized its relevance in the face of current global challenges. "We need global dialogue for sustainable development," he had said at a WCF session in Bali. He added that a dialogue would help everyone introspect on the actions taken so far. Amartya hailed the WCF, saying it was a useful forum for uniting nations, and noted that culture, which is inter-religious and international, had an important role to play in uniting the world. "Culture also strengthens sustainable development," he added. At the Forum, which ended on Nov. 27, Indonesia`s Minister of Education Mohammad Nuh said he hoped the forum could become a part of efforts aimed at transforming civilization. Nuh added that culture helped individuals respect and appreciate other nations. He also hoped that the event, which has been initiated by Indonesia, can be held on an annual basis going forward.