The National Conference of the Cuban Communist Party opened on Saturday, aiming to "change mentality and overcome outdated dogmas”. Chaired by Cuban President Raul Castro, the two-day meeting addresses important issues like limiting political and government offices to a maximum of two consecutive terms of 5 years and seeking the gradual renewal of the leadership. About 100 proposals are expected to be discussed, such as promoting more youths, women and blacks to leaders' positions in the party and government. Raul Castro convened the conference because last year's VI Party Congress was devoted entirely to proposals to reform and modernize the island's economic system, which has been mired in crisis.