BEIJING -- Five role models working at local communities and on the frontline shared their passions and stories about China's development at a forum held Wednesday to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

Wang Chuanxi, head of Daicun village in East China's Shandong province, recalled his experience of leading locals in developing modern agriculture and pursuing prosperity and happiness in the past 20 years.

He promised to continuously unite his fellow villagers and lead them to fulfill new achievements on the path of rural vitalization.

Liu Haiying, head of Saihanba forest farm, shared stories about generations of local people turning a barren land into a large swath of trees about 400 km north of Beijing in the past few decades. The forest is critically important to water and air quality in the national capital.

"Lucid waters and lush mountains in Saihanba are truly invaluable assets," Liu said, vowing to make new contributions to green development.

At the forum, the five role models also interacted with audience members online. Jointly hosted by several agencies including the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the forum was the third of a series of forums to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of PRC. Three other events will be held on Sept 4, 17 and 19, respectively.