Scenes from the Confucius Commemoration Ceremony. [Photos by Yang Guoqing/For China Daily]

Held alongside the festival, the Nishan Forum brought together 340 guests from more than 40 countries, including roughly 120 foreign attendees from the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, and Italy.

Wang Jiayi, vice-minister of education, highlighted Confucius' long-standing influence as an educator, citing principles including "education for all without discrimination", "teaching according to aptitude", and "learning with constant practice".

Wang said that these ideas continue to resonate today.

Lin Wu, secretary of the Shandong Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, said that Confucian thought took root in China and reflects the spiritual pursuits of the Chinese nation, embodying the distinctive charm of Chinese civilization.

He said its emphasis on benevolence, harmony in diversity, and the doctrine of the mean offers inspiration for addressing global challenges and the problems facing humanity today.

"As the world changes rapidly, people expect to meet through culture," Lin said, describing the festival as a platform for cultural exchange and mutual learning.

He also emphasized the importance of preserving cultural diversity and keeping traditional culture connected to contemporary life.