Wan Gang, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, urged to foster a technological innovation community with connectivity in ideas, infrastructure, factors and communication.

Confronted by challenges crucial to the future of humanity, the global science community needs to strengthen exchanges and innovation following the spirit of science that is borderless, barrier-free, and non-discriminatory, he said.

Wan, also president of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), made the remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of the third World Science and Technology Development Forum (WSTDF) held in Beijing on Nov 6 to 7.

He called for systematic and high-quality solutions from the global science community to effectively respond to common concerns of people around the world.

He also looked forward to an open international innovation network to foster the flow of knowledge, data and scientific achievements and all-round cooperation in the fields of epidemic control, COVID-19 vaccine research and development, climate change and green development, and digital economy.

Sponsored by the CAST, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, this year's WSTDF was themed on "Openness, Trust, Cooperation" and included 35 thematic lectures, six high-level dialogues and eight major releases, with support from international organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, International Council for Science, World Federation of Engineering Organizations.