The 5th International Taoism Forum opened on Maoshan Mountain, East China's Jiangsu province, on Sept 24. Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, sent a letter congratulating the convening of the forum and the inauguration of the World Federation of Taoism. 

Wang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said that Taoism is deeply rooted in China and upholds the values of peace and inclusiveness, which endures forever and remains fresh throughout time. He said the theme of the forum, "Revering the Tao and Upholding Virtue, Moving Forward with the World," demonstrates the joint aspiration of sharing the achievements of human civilizations and building a better homeland for humanity. 

He noted that the founding of the World Federation of Taoism has built a new platform for people to further discover the beliefs of Taoism, and is bound to promote mutual exchanges and learning among human civilizations. 

He added that the Chinese government will continue to implement the Global Civilization Initiative, support friendly communications between Chinese and overseas Taoist communities  and to further contribute to promoting world peace and prosperity. 

Shi Taifeng, a member of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau and head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended and delivered speeches at the forum's opening ceremony and the founding conference of the federation. 

The World Federation of Taoism currently consists of 52 founding members from 20 countries and regions. Li Guangfu, head of the Taoist Association of China, was elected chairman of the federation's first board of directors at its inaugural meeting held during the forum, which was co-hosted by the Taoist Association of China and the China Religious Culture Communication Association.