The World's Ancient Civilizations Protection Forum, themed "Echoes of the Past", began at the Palace Museum on Sept 20, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

In the following two days, attendees will focus on several topics, including "the contemporary value of ancient heritage" and "archaeological observation of ancient civilizations and the Silk Road". Discussions over closer global partnership, as well as exploration, exchange and the cooperation mode of ancient civilizations, will promote peaceful, cooperative and inclusive development with cultural confidence.

"The previous forum in 2016 witnessed the draft and issue of The Declaration of Supreme Harmony, or Taihe xuanyan. In answer to it, the Palace Museum will do its part to promote the full understanding and implementation of the declaration," said Shan Jixiang, the director of the Palace Museum at the opening ceremony.