The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially inaugurated its International Institute for STEM Education in Shanghai on Sunday, establishing it as the first Category 1 center established by the agency in the Asia-Pacific region.
The institute, which focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), is the 10th Category 1 center globally under UNESCO's framework.
Its main functions include promoting STEM education across all stages from early childhood to adulthood, with a focus on providing inclusive, equitable, relevant and high-quality STEM education for all.
"This is a Category One institute of UNESCO. That means that it has full autonomy, but it's very much a global scope. So we do think that at the time where STEM is the ground for any other important step from AI to quantum technology, to having here this new center, can really meet the demand, the global demand," said Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education.
"Shanghai is an incredibly important international hub for science, technology, universities, higher education, education system and innovation. There is an ecosystem for innovation. So we see it, as UNESCO, as an ideal place to establish an institute which is supposed to become a global hub for improving the quality of education, training, learning and also research in the STEM field," she said.
The center aims to leverage China's practices in STEM and interdisciplinary education to promote the joint development and sharing of global high-quality STEM education resources through international joint research, policy dialogue and training.
"As an institute, it can gather information from around the world, making it easier for us to access the latest global developments and explorations in STEM education. It also provides a platform for China to share its practices, experiences, philosophies, and new models with the international community," said Qin Changwei, Secretary General of the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO.
China's first UNESCO Category 1 Center established in Shanghai
The 140th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, entered its third day on Saturday, with a wave of AI-powered products making their debuts and injecting fresh momentum into China's export growth.
The event opened to visitors in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province on Thursday, and will be held in three phases through Nov 4.
The latest edition of the fair is showcasing 235,000 AI products, while more than 20,000 exhibitors have adopted different kinds of new technologies. Booths featuring the latest AI products have been drawing crowds, with visitors waiting in long queues to try out the exhibits.
"[The Canton Fair] really gets more popular every year. By around 9:30, people were already queuing in two lines. Some buyers did not want to wait to try the products, so they just bought them on the spot," said exhibitor Liang Linchao.
"The enthusiasm of Canton Fair [buyers] has exceeded my expectations. About one-third of customers want to take one home immediately after the fair ends. That gives us great confidence to explore and expand our overseas markets," said another exhibitor Cui Wei.
Beyond creating business opportunities, products showcased at the Canton Fair can also make a difference in the lives of people in need.
Max Young, who was visiting the Canton Fair for the third time, brought his mother along this time. The mother and son had expected to simply soak up the bustling atmosphere, but an exoskeleton robotic device they came across brought them an unexpected surprise.
His mother, who has had difficulty walking since suffering a stroke, was able to stand up and walk with the help of the device.
"It just keeps my legs going. It's good. Yes, it's good," said his mother, Suzanne Elliott, almost bursting into tears.
"Last year she had a stroke, so the left-hand side of her body is a little bit weaker. About one year ago she couldn't walk or stand up at all. We tried this one today. It seems very good. I think it would help her to get better," said Young.
At the 140th Canton Fair, many exhibitors are accelerating the rollout of research achievements into real application scenarios, turning technological strengths into market advantages and making the fair a major showcase for technological innovation.
"Extremely impressive. Just everything about the efficiency and just how vast and large everything is. We saw a lot of production now is gone to robotics production, AI technology, less humans, really advanced and precise, a lot of precision manufacturing. I think innovation is starting here now. I think now the initiation is here, the R and D is here, and the creativity is coming from China. Very, very impressed," said Canadian buyer Yehuda Klein.
Serving as a barometer and wind vane of China's foreign trade, this year's fair, marking its 70th anniversary, features innovation, intelligence, greater specialization and higher quality.
The Canton Fair is one of the world's few one-stop trade platforms offering a complete range of products with convenience and efficiency, while bringing together the latest products and technologies.
AI products take center stage at 140th Canton Fair, showcasing innovation, offering real-world benefits
AI products take center stage at 140th Canton Fair, showcasing innovation, offering real-world benefits
