The 48th WorldSkills Competition opened in Shanghai on 22 September, with a spectacular ceremony at the Shanghai World Expo Cultural Centre that placed skills at the heart of the stage — not simply as a theme, but as the very language through which the story was told.

One of the most powerful moments came with the Parade of Nations. One by one, delegations entered the arena carrying their respective flags, turning the venue into a vivid meeting place of cultures and people.

The spectacle continued with a rich programme of performances. Historical Chinese figures including Lu Ban, a master carpenter and architect; Cai Lun, who advanced the papermaking process; Bi Sheng, who invented the world’s first movable type; and Huang Daopo, a female textile artist, appeared across time, recalling generations of knowledge, ingenuity and craftsmanship that have shaped Chinese civilization.

The story then expanded beyond China. A global journey of skills brought achievements from different countries and cultures onto the stage, creating a sweeping picture of skills connecting people across time and around the world.

At the centre of the next chapter were young people themselves. Skilled young professionals representing five continents shared stories of how acquiring certain skills had changed the course of their lives.

Abraham Mundengo from Zambia found new possibilities for his community after mastering Information Network Cabling. Cloé Lemaréchal of France found her place through Fashion Technology. Canadian welder Ben Rainforth rediscovered a childhood passion first sparked by a welding torch from his grandfather. Australian baker Rachel Crawford said she hopes to use baking to share warmth and love.

China’s Tang Fan grew up in the mountains and often looked up at planes crossing the night sky. He dreamed of touching one someday. He went on to become an aircraft maintenance technician and, at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, won gold in Aircraft Maintenance.
Their backgrounds, professions and journeys are different, but their stories share a common thread: skills can turn aspirations into careers and help ordinary people realize extraordinary dreams.

The ceremony also looked firmly to the future, bringing 20 of China’s latest full-size humanoid robots onto the stage alongside 120 young dancers. In a world-first performance, the robots and dancers interacted seamlessly in close coordination. One humanoid robot equipped with dexterous hands took centre stage and performed intricate finger movements alongside the dancers.

Even the stage itself was built around the idea of skill. A 200-metric-ton structure inspired by the traditional Chinese mortise-and-tenon technique slowly rose into view. Its precisely interlocking components came together to form a complete structure before transforming into a burst of light and becoming the visual symbol of WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

By putting skilled people at the centre of its storytelling, the Opening Ceremony of WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 offered more than a spectacular welcome to the Competition. It gave the skills community a moment to be seen, recognized and celebrated.