BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng addressed the opening ceremony of the 13th World Peace Forum in Beijing on Thursday, calling for jointly safeguarding international fairness and justice, and improving the global governance system.

Noting that at present, the cause of world peace and development is facing severe challenges, Han said Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward a series of proposals, including building a community with a shared future for humanity and the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, providing a Chinese solution to major issues concerning human peace and development.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, Han said, adding that China is willing to work with all countries to promote world peace and prosperity and build a better world together.

He put forward four proposals. First, learning from history and jointly safeguarding the post-war international order, as well as international fairness and justice. Second, adhering to solidarity and cooperation in order to improve global governance. Third, promoting openness and cooperation to drive global prosperity and development. Fourth, standing together in solidarity and jointly advancing toward modernization.

Han also urged that development be placed at the center of the international agenda, with a committed focus on addressing the concerns of developing countries and solving the problem of inequality and imbalance in global development.

About 400 people attended the event, including former foreign political dignitaries such as former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, former Belgian Prime Minister and ex-President of the European Council Herman van Rompuy, diplomatic envoys to China, as well as experts and scholars.  ■