Women-focused precursor to G20 summit held in China

Delegates attending the W20 - a preparatory meeting for the G20 Summit in Hangzhou in September - talk in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, on Wednesday. The W20 was formed last year to focus on women's empowerment and promotion of gender inclusiveness and equality. WANG ZHUANGFEI / CHINA DAILY

XI'AN - Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao attended the opening ceremony of a women-focused precursor to the G20 summit in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi province, on Wednesday, calling for women to be given a greater role in economic and social affairs.

The W20 Meeting, which concludes on Thursday, supports the main G20 event to be held in China's eastern city of Hangzhou in September.

Li said in his speech that all countries should work out strategies to give women equal participation in national development. He also called for more protective measures for poor, disabled and elderly women.

China is ready to work with other countries to meet the goals on women's advancement set in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, according to the vice president.

Shen Yueyue, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, delivered another speech.

Shen, also president of the All-China Women's Federation, which organized the meeting, called for more cooperation and exchanges to realize common development among men and women.

About 200 people, including representatives of G20 members and international organizations, were present at the meeting.