Last month, China hosted in Tangshan the “Skills on the move: global trends, local resonances” international conference attended by more than 500 participants from 70 countries. The event, co-organised by UNESCO, the PRC Government and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, analysed the current skills development scenario in the context of the SDG agenda, and highlighted global trends within TVET five years after the Third International Congress in Shanghai (2012) which resulted in the Shanghai Consensus document, a roadmap to enhance Technical and Vocational Education and Training and ensure a sustainable and inclusive development for each country.
Main outcome of the congress is a statement document updating the Shanghai Consensus by reviewing major trends and policy developments in TVET over the past five years.
The new document, “From Shanghai to Tangshan. Shanghai Consensus updated: working together to achieve the Education 2030 agenda”, focuses on four key areas:
- Anticipating and assessing skills needs by using labor market intelligence, partnerships and assessment techniques;
- Developing skills for all to ensure inclusive, quality and relevant skills development opportunities;
- Making skills and qualifications more transparent and better recognized;
- Contributing to a better use of skills in the world of work and supporting entrepreneurship.
The document recognises the critical role of international cooperation to achieve TVET-related targets included in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and advocates for the promotion of youth employment and entrepreneurship; equity and gender equality; and the transition to green economies and sustainable societies.
Sources:
- “From Shanghai to Tangshan. Shanghai Consensus updated: working together to achieve the Education 2030 agenda”
- Updated international consensus on skills for work and life