The raging COVID-19 pandemic across the world is threatening human health and global economy. In response to international efforts to contain the disease and prioritizing the health and safety of all participants, the Forum’s Board of Directors made the difficult decision of not holding this year’s annual conference.

The Forum highly appreciates the unwavering support from the Chinese government, initial countries, members and partners of the Forum since the outbreak. The Forum also thanks relevant international organizations and speakers for their support to the annual conference. The Forum hopes that this hard decision could be well understood by all parties.

Despite the time of disruption, the Forum still continues preparation for three major thematic conferences scheduled in latter half of year 2020. The Forum will convene the first conference of International Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation on November 9th in Macao. It is a great honor that H. E. Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and former Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region has kindly consented to chair the conference. The Forum is confident that under Chairman Ho’s leadership and guidance, the conference will achieve its goals of promoting international cooperation on science, technology and innovation.

Besides, the Forum will also hold the first Global Economic Development and Security Forum in September in Zhuhai, and the 2nd Conference of Global Health Forum in October in Qingdao. In adaption to situation under COVID-19 pandemic, the Forum will organize a series of on-line activities to discuss the impact of the pandemic and explore solutions for recovery.

The Forum will take full use of its role as major economic platform and make its due contributions to the post pandemic recovery of world economy.