BEIJING, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese official on Saturday urged accelerating the building of a social security system that covers both urban and rural areas, noting it's important for achieving sustainable economic and social development.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the China Social Security Forum in Beijing, State Councilor Hua Jianmin called for paying attention to the welfare and interests of both this generation and future generations.

China's social security system, which used to be completely financed by the state, is now co-financed by the state, institutions, and individuals, said Hua, who is also secretary general of the State Council.

The forum was attended by over 500 people, including representatives of government departments, international organizations and local social security agencies.