Global collaboration in focus at 2024 Vocational Education Conference in Tianjin

The 2024 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference was held in north China's Tianjin Municipality from Wednesday to Friday, spotlighting advancements and international partnerships in vocational training.

With the theme "Innovation Empowers the Future, Skills Enlighten New Lives," the conference hosted over 1,200 domestic and foreign representatives, including more than 600 overseas guests from over 100 countries and regions.

A major highlight was the establishment of the World Vocational and Technical Education Development Alliance, aimed at providing the most comprehensive, balanced, representative and inclusive international platform for vocational education, according to the organizers of the conference.

China's contributions to global vocational education were showcased, including the expansion of Luban Workshops to over 30 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa. Named in honor of the ancient Chinese craftsman, engineer and inventor Lu Ban (507－444 B.C.), these workshops integrate academic education and skills training, offering 60 specialized programs in 14 disciplines.

According to official data, more than 200 vocational colleges in China have partnered with institutions across 70 countries and regions, established over 400 programs.

Li Fei, dean of the Railway Power Academy of the Tianjin Railway Vocational and Technical College, highlighted the success of the first Luban Workshop in Thailand.

"The Thailand Luban Workshop is the first of its kind established overseas by China, primarily focusing on the training of high-speed rail talents. Chinese and Thai educational institutions jointly formulated the teaching and curriculum standards for the workshop, aiming to provide a talent pool for the operation of the China-Thailand high-speed railway," Li said.

The conference also featured the World Vocational College Skills Competition, where top vocational talents competed, further strengthening international exchanges in technical education.

"China's experience in vocational and technical education plays a significant role globally and has already been promoted to many other countries," said Beisembayev Gani Bektaevich, Minister of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The conference was jointly sponsored by China's Ministry of Education, the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO, and the Tianjin municipal government.

Global collaboration in focus at 2024 Vocational Education Conference in Tianjin

Global collaboration in focus at 2024 Vocational Education Conference in Tianjin

Global collaboration in focus at 2024 Vocational Education Conference in Tianjin

As U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran continue, their repercussions are increasingly being felt across Europe, Spanish residents and politicians are urging a united European to call for peace and solve the disputes through diplomatic means.

In Spain, the ongoing conflict has led to a sharp rise in the prices of goods and fuel in Madrid, the capital. People's voices are growing louder in their appeal for European nations to stand together against war and to resolve international disputes through dialogue and negotiation rather than military force.

"The U.S. has launched a war whose legitimacy is in question. The U.S. government then sought help from its allies with military bases, but the Spanish government refused this request. In response, the U.S. is considering trade restrictions against Spain, and possibly more measures. All of this is affecting local prices," said Nicolas, a Madrid resident.

Spanish officials warn that U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran are undermining international consensus and impacting the daily lives of people around the world. They urge European nations to stand with Spain in firmly opposing conflict and war, and to resolve disputes through diplomacy and negotiation.

"This conflict has indeed affected the way of life for us Spaniards. Although our military bases will not be used for attacks, food and energy prices keep rising. This means, whether we like it or not, we are directly or indirectly involved in this war, just like other parts of the world. That's why we need to show solidarity. We fully support the anti-war stance taken by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and government from the very beginning, and strongly recommend that this position be more strongly reflected at the European level," said Jose Luis Centella, chairman of the Communist Party of Spain.

Spain urges Europe to unite for peace amid US-Israel strikes on Iran