Long Yongtu addresses the opening ceremony of the 3rd Dongqianhu Education Forum in Ningbo, Zhejiang province on Nov 26. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Third Dongqianhu Education Forum, focusing on aesthetic education, was held in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province, on Nov 26.

Long Yongtu, former secretary of the Boao Forum for Asia and president of the forum, stressed the importance of aesthetic education in cultivating well-rounded talent for society. He also called for efforts to seek new ways to develop aesthetic education that are unique to the Chinese context.

George Papandreo, former prime minister of Greece, said through a video that aesthetic education teaches practical skills and provides people with more possibilities. He encourages all students to get involved in comprehensive aesthetic education, including via online methods.

Six scholars and officials from around the world made keynote speeches at the opening ceremony of the forum, discussing the future development of aesthetic education from different perspectives, including policies and the latest trends.

Francesco D' Arelli, director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Shanghai, shared the history of Italian cultural and art development. He suggested that China and Italy enhance cultural cooperation, including promoting cooperation between museums of the two sides.

A report on the development of China’s aesthetic education was also released at the forum, showcasing the conditions of aesthetic education in different cities around the nation, current challenges, and innovative practices and storng examples of developing aesthetic education at the grassroots level.