BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- A campaign has been launched to select and commend role models of ethnic unity and progress, according to a statement on Wednesday.

Approved by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, the campaign will find individuals and organizations who have made great contributions to ethnic unity and common prosperity.

By honoring and promoting their contributions, it is expected to create a stronger sense of community for the Chinese nation and build the stronger social atmosphere for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Fairness and transparency will be highlighted in the selection process across the country, said the statement.

Ethnic unity role models were usually selected every five years, with the previous batches honored in 1988, 1994, 1999, 2005, 2009 and 2014.