A cultural exchange gathering and a special exhibition opening ceremony will be held in Shenzhen City, southern China's Guangdong Province, on Sunday to encourage mutual learning and connectivity among Asia-Pacific region ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting on Nov 18 and 19.
The cultural exchange gathering is themed "Sharing a Vision, Embracing Diversity" and the special exhibition is called "China Through Its Intangible Heritage." They are co-hosted by China Media Group (CMG) and the People's Government of Guangdong Province.
To be held at the Ping An Finance Center, the events will bring together Chinese and foreign guests, including representatives from the political, business, and academic sectors of APEC member economies, relevant international organizations, mainstream international media, and foreign embassies in China.
They will share insights and exchange views on topics such as mutual learning among civilizations and people-to-people connectivity, aiming to reach consensus on building an Asia-Pacific community and promoting common prosperity.
Multiple CMG-produced productions will be launched on mainstream media platforms in APEC member economies.
Several cultural exchange programs, including a thematic think tank report and the "Asia-Pacific Youth Action" integrated media co-creation initiative, will also be released at the event.
Asia-Pacific cultural exchange gathering to open in Shenzhen
Asia-Pacific cultural exchange gathering to open in Shenzhen
Iran on Tuesday inaugurated its first women-only training center under its "Janfada," or "Sacrifice for Iran," initiative at Azadi Square in Tehran, with officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attending the opening ceremony.
This is the fourth "Sacrificing for Iran" training center in the Greater Tehran region. According to reports, the training will be conducted by instructors with extensive military experience, focusing on enhancing the overall capabilities of local women, improving their knowledge in public and military affairs, and developing their skills in rescue operations and security.
The nationwide campaign emerged after the war with the United States and Israel began in February, encouraging Iranians to volunteer in support of the country.
Iranian authorities said more than 30 million people have registered, of whom nearly half are women.
At the center, women are being trained in urban warfare, weapons handling, rope climbing and how to use mortars, aiming at strengthening their role in supporting the country's defense and preparedness.
"I'm here, first of all, because I believe I must defend my homeland. Secondly, I want to be able to defend my neighborhood, my country, my city, and the place where I live. That is, if the men go to the battlefronts and the city is left empty, women will be able to defend themselves," said training center participant Faeze.
The program also trains volunteers in firefighting, rescue and civil-emergency assistance, according to the head of the Tehran Women's IRGC Department.
"Our women here receive training in general weapons, handgun weapons, firefighting training, rescue training, self-rescue and other rescue training, and civil assistance," said Sudabeh Akbari, head of the Women's Basij Organization of IRGC Greater Tehran.
Officer of IRGC Greater Tehran Alireza Salarkia said public participation is a key source of strength for Iran.
"We don't need a nuclear bomb. Our martyred Leader declared that our nuclear bomb is the presence of our dear people," he said.
Iran inaugurates first women-only training center in Tehran
