BEIJING - The Global Summit of Women 2010 opened Thursday in Beijing and was attended by more than 1,000 women delegates from more than 60 countries and regions.

Delegates attend the opening ceremony of the Global Summit of Women at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 20, 2010. [Photo/Asianewsphoto]

Chen Zhili, president of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), said at the opening ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People the Chinese government attaches great importance to women's development and endeavors to "safeguard women's interests and promote gender equality."

She said the summit, jointly held by the ACWF and the China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNNIE), aims to encourage women from all countries to "strive to become stronger and to support themselves" and to make great contributions to women's development worldwide.

Sun Jiazheng, head of the CNNIE and vice chairman of National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said he hoped the summit to become a platform showcasing women's abilities and for sharing development experiences.