Tianjin hosts World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference

The World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference 2026 concluded in Tianjin, marking a significant push toward internationalizing vocational education standards. A primary outcome of the event was the release of the Beijing Agreement, a framework for world vocational and technical education standards jointly endorsed by 45 countries. The agreement focuses on priorities such as social equity, international skills exchange, lifelong learning, and the integration of artificial intelligence in teaching.

During the conference, China’s Minister of Education, Huai Jinpeng, delivered a keynote report emphasizing the importance of vocational education in supporting economic development and human growth. He advocated for high-quality development that addresses technological shifts and industrial upgrades through cross-disciplinary integration and global cooperation.

The conference also featured the World Vocational College Skills Competition, which saw record participation with approximately 36,000 contestants from 78 countries. Other highlights included a symposium celebrating the 10th anniversary of China’s Luban Workshops and exhibitions showcasing advancements in vocational training.