In the afternoon of 26 February 2025, Chen Jining, Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, met with Francis Hourant, President of WorldSkills in Shanghai.

Chen Jining outlined key preparations already underway for the 48th WorldSkills Competition and the further development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in China. He stated that, in accordance with President Xi’s important directive to “deliver a WorldSkills Competition that is innovative and has a wide-reaching impact,” Shanghai is fully committed to advancing all aspects of the Competition’s preparations.

Since the opening of the WorldSkills Museum in Shanghai, it has received widespread acclaim. Openness, innovation, and inclusiveness are the defining traits of Shanghai, and the vocational skills workforce is vital for advancing modernization and high-quality development.

Secretary Jining outlined how China will seize the opportunity of hosting the WorldSkills Competition to actively promote skill campaigns, vigorously advocate the “craftsmanship spirit”, build a more effective lifelong learning and training system, and inspire more people, especially young individuals, to pursue success through skills.

They discussed how the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Organizing Committee are committed to maintaining close communication and coordination with WorldSkills International. “By better leveraging our respective strengths, we aim to continuously expand areas of cooperation, deepen international exchanges, and mutual learning, and enhance the appeal and influence of the WorldSkills Competition,” said Secretary Jining. “Through these concerted efforts, we will make greater contributions to the development of global skills.”

Francis Hourant, President of WorldSkills, expressed his great anticipation for the 48th WorldSkills Competition to be held in Shanghai, believing that with the collective efforts of all parties, it will undoubtedly be a spectacular and unforgettable event, inspiring future generations.

“The WorldSkills Museum in Shanghai serves as both a testament to the evolution of skills and a guiding light for future skill development. It exemplifies the successful cooperation between all parties involved,” said President Hourant.

“As the Members of WorldSkills formulate our Vision 2035, it will draw on advanced concepts from the preparations for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, which are already enhancing the global practices of skilled talent. Together, we are committed to propelling the global skills movement forward.”