The China (Qufu) International Confucius Cultural Festival and the 9th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations have opened in Qufu, east China’s Shandong Province.

As the birthplace of the great sage, the city of Qufu has once again come alive to celebrate the life and teachings of Confucius. The event is a vibrant blend of academic discussions, art exhibitions and cultural performances.

Scholars and intellectuals from various countries are gathering together to explore the universal significance of Confucian philosophy in today’s globalized world. They will discuss topics including Confucianism and the modernization of East Asia, as well as the response to global challenges.

Confucius was the first person to set up private schools in China that enrolled students from different social classes, and his teachings have influenced countless generations of Chinese people and society.

In honor of his efforts, the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy will also be announced during the festival. Established in 2005, the award recognizes the efforts of individuals, governments and NGOs in raising the literacy rate.

As people from diverse cultures come together to gain a deeper understanding of Confucian ethics, the timeless wisdom of Confucius continues to inspire and shape modern society. A report on the development of Confucianism over the past decade will be released at this year’s Nishan Forum.