The World Confucian Conference is an international Confucian event co-sponsored by Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China and People’s Government of Shandong Province, organized by Chinese National Academy of Arts, Shandong Provincial Department of Culture, People’s Government of Ji’ning City, Confucius Research Institute, Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies of Shandong University, China Confucius Foundation and International Confucian Association. The inaugural meeting was held in 2007, from the first session held in 2008 to the fifth session in 2012, the World Confucian Conference was held annually at Confucius' birthplace Qufu (Confucius Research Institute) during Confucius' birthday. In 2013, according to the amended Constitute of the World Confucian Conference, it is held twice a year at Confucius Research Institute since the sixth session. By now, seven sessions have been held. The purpose is to inherit and popularize the excellent traditional culture of China,  enhance the dialogue and exchanges among different civilizations. The Confucius Culture Prize is awarded during the conference. The Secretariat of the World Confucian Conference was set at Confucius Research Instiute.