The 12th China Democratic League (CDL) Education Forum opened on Aug 28 in Lanzhou, Northwest China's Gansu province, emphasizing the supporting role of education to science, technology and talent development.   

Wang Guangqian, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and executive vice-chairman of the CDL Central Committee, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech. 

Noting that education, culture and related fields of science and technology are areas of strength for the CDL, Wang said the CDL has paid close attention to education reform and development, put forward policy recommendations on key issues, and launched initiatives such as the "Candlelight Action" with positive results. This year's forum, which focuses on exchanges on advancing reform in higher education institutions and digital development of education, is most opportune and of great significance, he said. 

He encouraged participants to pool ideas and conduct in-depth discussions, and to propose pragmatic and effective policy suggestions for government decision-making. He expressed the hope that the forum would contribute to advancing the strategies of invigorating China through science and education, developing a quality workforce and driving development through innovation. 

This year's forum received 194 papers from 30 provincial-level CDL organizations as well as the CDL Central Committee's education and youth committees. Following expert review, 57 outstanding papers were selected. Over 100 participants, including members of the CDL Central Committee's special committees, experts and representatives of selected paper authors, attended the forum. 

On the sidelines of the event, Wang visited Lanzhou University's Center for the Pan-third Pole Environment and the Art Practice Center of Lanzhou University of Arts and Science. He also surveyed the CDL's rural vitalization practice base in Shuiqu, a village in Lintao county, and reviewed the league's support work for Balipu Primary School.