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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How does the integration of industry and education discussed at the 2024 conference impact the relevance of vocational education in today’s job market?
**Interview on the 2024 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference**
**Interviewer:** Welcome! Today we’re discussing the recent 2024 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference held in Tianjin, China. We have with us Dr. Mei Chen, an expert in vocational education and lifelong learning. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Chen!
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** The conference brought together around 1,000 delegates. Can you highlight the main topics discussed?
**Dr. Chen:** Absolutely. The conference focused on crucial themes such as the integration of industry and education, sustainable development, teacher training, and the concept of lifelong learning. These areas are increasingly important as we seek to align education with the needs of the global job market [[1](https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-vocational-education)].
**Interviewer:** That sounds very relevant. Could you elaborate on the significance of integrating industry and education?
**Dr. Chen:** Certainly. The integration of industry and education ensures that vocational training programs are tailored to the real skills required in the workforce. This alignment not only prepares students for specific careers but also promotes innovation and economic development, benefiting both individuals and society as a whole [[1](https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-vocational-education)].
**Interviewer:** The conference showcased six key initiatives. What are some of the highlights of these initiatives?
**Dr. Chen:** One significant initiative is the establishment of a global alliance aimed at uniting vocational training institutions, companies, and educational organizations. This will foster collaboration and resource sharing. Additionally, the conference featured the World Vocational Training Prize, which recognizes outstanding efforts in vocational education, and an international skills competition with 42 events to promote skills excellence [[1](https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-vocational-education)].
**Interviewer:** It’s inspiring to see such a collaborative effort. How do you believe this conference will influence vocational education on a global scale?
**Dr. Chen:** I believe the conference will serve as a catalyst for global discussions on vocational education. By promoting best practices and fostering partnerships, it can drive innovation and improve training outcomes. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of vocational education as a key player in sustainable development and economic resilience [[1](https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-vocational-education)].
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Chen, for your insights. It’s clear that the work being done in vocational education is vital for the future workforce.
**Dr. Chen:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how these initiatives will unfold in the coming years.
