The 7th Global Mazu Culture Forum is held on Meizhou Island on Dec 18. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Shahbaz Khan, professor and representative of the UNESCO Beijing Office, delivered an online speech at the forum. He said that belief in and commemoration of Mazu are highly relevant in today's world as people march towards implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

"More than ever we need to leverage the power of 'living heritage' to inspire exchanges fostering mutual respect and understanding to sustain peace and provide strength and solidarity in achieving our sustainable future together," Khan said.