28 November 2024
The global landscape of vocational education has reached a significant milestone with the establishment of the World Technical and Vocational Education and Training League. Announced during the ongoing 2024 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference in Tianjin, China, this league represents a transformative step towards fostering international collaboration in vocational training.
After two years of meticulous preparation, the league has been launched to create the most comprehensive, balanced, representative, and inclusive international platform for vocational education. By bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders, the league is poised to shape the future of global vocational training.
The league’s founding members include 89 institutions from 43 countries and regions, encompassing a wide spectrum of higher education institutions, vocational and technical colleges, enterprises, and educational organisations. Notably, over two-thirds of the members are foreign vocational education institutions, underscoring the league’s international essence, highlighted by An Yan, deputy secretary-general of the China Education Association for International Exchange.
Covering a broad range of industries and involving various types of institutions, the league promises to address the multifaceted needs of vocational education. By connecting key players from around the world, it seeks to foster innovative solutions and shared expertise for vocational training challenges.
Prominent voices in education have commended the initiative. Muferihat Kamil, Ethiopia’s Minister of Labour and Skills, highlighted the league’s alignment with Ethiopia’s vision of global collaboration. She described the league as a timely initiative, which reflects the shared goals of countries aiming to develop robust vocational training systems.
As vocational education becomes increasingly essential for equipping the workforce with the skills needed in a rapidly changing world, the league’s formation marks a pivotal moment. By bridging borders and promoting cooperation, the World Technical and Vocational Education and Training League is set to become a cornerstone of global efforts to advance vocational training.
The league’s establishment not only spotlights the significance of vocational education in global development but also opens doors for unprecedented collaboration across nations and industries.
