Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- A three-day 'Cultural Diversity Ministerial Forum (CDMF) of the Asia-Pacific Region 2012' conference begins on Wednesday aiming to safeguarding and developing the cultural diversity of the region.
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs and UNESCO are jointly organizing the event at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the capital Dhaka, officials said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the meet. UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova will be present as the guest of honour.
Information and Cultural Affairs Minister Abul Kalam Azad will preside over the meeting while State Minister for Cultural Affairs Promod Mankin and vice- president of Republic of Kiribati Teima Onorio will speak on the occasion.
The theme of the forum is 'Common forum within Asia and Pacific region'.
For the biggest international conference till date to be held on its soil, the Bangladesh government has invited representatives from 43 countries of the region. Among these, 34 countries have so far confirmed to attend.
Representatives from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Iran, Kiribati, Kazakhstan, the Maldives, Vietnam, Tuvalu, Solomon Island, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Marshal Islands, Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Cook Island, Fiji, Indonesia, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu are in town to represent their country.
Many countries will participate the conference through their representatives living or working in Bangladesh.
BBN/SSR/AD-09May12-9:10 am (BST)
