The World Translation Conference is being held in China for the first time.

Xinhua News Agency, Shanghai, August 4th (reporters Wei Wu and Sun Liping) - The 18th World Translation Congress, co-hosted by the International Federation of Translators and the Translators Association of China, opened in Shanghai on August 4. Approximately 1,500 experts and scholars from over 70 countries and regions around the world will gather to discuss the theme of "Translation and Multiculturalism" over a four-day period. This marks the first time that the International Federation of Translators has held such an international grand event in China or even Asia.

In his opening address, Wang Chen, Director of the Organizing Committee of the Congress and Director of the State Council Information Office, pointed out that translation, as a bridge for cross-language, cross-ethnic, and cross-cultural exchange, has played a significant role in promoting human civilization development and social progress. For China, the special contributions made by translation activities in facilitating the exchange and integration of Chinese civilization with global civilizations, enhancing understanding and interaction between the Chinese people and peoples of various countries, and promoting world peace and harmonious development are irreplaceable.

He expressed that the theme of this conference fully reflects the attention and expectations of the international translation community regarding the preservation of cultural diversity and the promotion of human civilization development. It also provides China with an opportunity to express our desire to promote the development of the translation industry and enhance multicultural exchanges, further demonstrating China's ideals and pursuits of advocating peaceful development and building a harmonious world. An open China is willing to communicate with the world, and a diverse world needs translation to connect.

In his speech, Bi De, President of the International Federation of Translators, stated that this congress, held for the first time in Asia, represents an important opportunity to showcase the image and academic charm of the translation industry to the world. The choice of Shanghai as the venue for this grand event indicates that China plays a pivotal role not only in the history of the International Federation of Translators but also in the global development of the translation industry. He hopes that Chinese peers will continue to play a greater role in international translation affairs.

It was reported that this congress is held every three years. Representatives from more than 30 international organizations and authoritative institutions in the translation field, including the United Nations, UNESCO, and the European Commission, are also attending this conference. During the conference, there will be four main forums and 88 sub-forums discussing topics such as translation and culture, translation and education, and translation and the economy.