The 19th International Week of Science and Peace opened in Beijing Sunday with the theme of "Scientific Development and Harmony Building".

The week-long activity will include public education exhibitions on health care, science and technical innovations, academic competition for university students, contest on science for primary and middle school students, and forums on environment, culture, and women development.

Cheng Siwei, vice-chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said at the opening ceremony that peace and development have been and will remain the theme of the whole world.

"The holding of the event is a proof the Chinese people's love for peace, their resolution for developing science for the improvement of the, economy and people's livelihood, and their goodwill of building a harmonious world together with people across the world," Cheng said.

In 1988, the 43rd United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution proclaiming the week in which November 11 falls as International Week of Science and Peace.

During this time, the member countries hold activities educating the public on the role played by science and technology in the maintenance of world peace and social development.