2024-11-22 19:59:00
A report from China Daily
The 2024 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference brought together around 1,000 delegates in Tianjin, northern China, from Wednesday to Friday this week. Discussions at the conference revolved around topics such as the integration of industry and education, sustainable development, teacher training and lifelong learning.
Co-hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Education, the National Commission of the People’s Republic of China for UNESCO and the Tianjin Municipal Government, the conference aims to promote vocational education as a driver of innovation and sustainable development worldwide.
The event will showcase six key initiatives to shape VET globally: a comprehensive conference with keynote addresses, ministerial roundtables and bilateral discussions; a global alliance uniting vocational training institutions, companies and educational organizations; the awarding of the World Vocational Training Prize; an international skills competition with 42 events; an exhibition highlighting achievements in the field of vocational training, intangible cultural heritage and international cooperation; the start of World Vocational and Technical Educationa journal published by Tianjin University of Technology and Education.
In a video address to the conference, Stefania Giannini, Deputy Director-General for Education at UNESCO, highlighted vocational training as a catalyst for change. She referred to the most recent one UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Developmentwhich highlights vocational training as a driver of change.
Giannini called for more investment and innovation in vocational training to meet global challenges, saying skills are key to tackling today’s complex world.
Huai Jinpeng, China’s education minister, said vocational education must follow the trends of the times, preserve the essence of education and maintain its unique characteristics. It should anchor its development goals in the context of the opportunities and challenges presented and strive for innovative breakthroughs, he added.
Huai outlined a vision for vocational education as “5I” education (inclusive, industry-oriented, innovative, intelligent and international) aimed at serving all, integrating into industry, driving innovation, leveraging smart technologies and to promote global cooperation.
To ensure the smooth flow of volunteer services during the conference, the Tianjin City Youth League recruited 1,448 young volunteers from nine universities, including Nankai University. Her responsibilities spanned more than 30 functions, including guest registration, conference coordination, translation, media reception and medical support.
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What were the key outcomes of the 2024 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference in Tianjin, China?
**Interview on the 2024 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference**
**Host:** Good evening, and welcome to our special segment where we discuss key developments in vocational education. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Li Wei, a leading expert in vocational training policy and one of the delegates at the recently concluded 2024 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference held in Tianjin, China. Welcome, Dr. Li.
**Dr. Li:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** To start, can you share some highlights from the conference and the primary focus of the discussions?
**Dr. Li:** Absolutely. This year, the conference brought together around 1,000 delegates from various countries to address critical issues surrounding vocational education and training (VET). Key topics included the integration of industry and education, sustainable development, teacher training, and the concept of lifelong learning. These discussions are crucial for aligning vocational training with the needs of the job market and ensuring that education systems contribute to sustainable growth.
**Host:** That sounds fascinating. One of the major initiatives mentioned was the formation of a global alliance. Could you elaborate on its purpose?
**Dr. Li:** Certainly. The global alliance aims to unite vocational training institutions, companies, and educational organizations to enhance collaboration across borders. This initiative is designed to share best practices, resources, and innovations in vocational education, ultimately creating a more cohesive approach to skill development worldwide. It’s about strengthening ties between education and industry to better prepare students for the workforce.
**Host:** You also mentioned the awarding of the World Vocational Training Prize and an international skills competition. How do these events contribute to the goals of the conference?
**Dr. Li:** The World Vocational Training Prize honors outstanding contributions in the field, highlighting exemplary programs that successfully marry education with real-world application. On the other hand, the international skills competition showcases the talents of young professionals across 42 different skill areas, promoting excellence and stimulating interest in vocational careers. Both events are crucial for elevating the status of vocational education and demonstrating its value on a global scale.
**Host:** Lastly, how do initiatives like these align with sustainable development goals?
**Dr. Li:** The integration of vocational education and sustainable development is paramount. By equipping individuals with relevant skills, we can foster innovation while addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change and economic inequality. The conference underscored the necessity of creating educational pathways that not only prepare students for jobs but also promote responsible citizenship and sustainable practices.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Li, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the 2024 conference has paved the way for exciting developments in vocational education globally.
**Dr. Li:** Thank you for having me. I’m optimistic about the future of vocational training and its potential to drive meaningful change.
**Host:** That wraps up our discussion today. Stay tuned for more updates on education and development initiatives from around the world.
