Professor Pierre Gomez joined his colleague ministers from other countries, who outlined the need for a blueprint for developing world technical and vocational education and training (hereinafter referred to as “TVET”).
Among delegates at the global forum were government officials from Africa, Latin America, Asia and East Europe.
Organised by the Government of the People’s Republic of China through its Ministry of Education, the event was held at the Tianjin Foreign Studies University in Tianjin City, China and lasted from November 20th to November 23rd 2024.
The Tianjin forum recognised TVET as vital in promoting inclusive employment, driving sustainable economic development, with the utilisation of novice technologies, methodologies, principles, codes and work ethics, thereby strengthening social resilience.
At the forum, delegates outlined the need to move forward by strengthening international communication and cooperation with an open and inclusive attitude, and jointly advance the concept, vision, initiatives, and actions for TVET development worldwide.
This led to the release of Tianjin Consensus on World Technical and Vocational Education and Training Development (hereinafter referred to as ‘Tianjin Consensus.’
The forum also shared a common concept by recalling the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2015), the Vision Statement from the United Nations Transforming Education Summit (2022), and the United Nations Pact for the Future (2024).
In addition, delegates reminded that the significance of the Global Development Initiative (2021) and the outcomes of the 2022 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference while reaffirming the essential value of TVET for global sustainable development.
Delegates also shared similar beliefs that in effectively responding to the current trend of technological innovation, industrial upgrading, and labour market changes, all countries should strive to build more relevant, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable TVET systems and steadily strengthen the exchanges and cooperation in TVET worldwide.
In essence, the forum outlined that mastering skills is the foundation of a better life and that skills do not only support personal survival and growth, but also empowers individuals to excel in their careers.
Ministers also placed greater emphasis, outlining that skill training provides opportunities for every single individual, with special emphasis on persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups to improve their lives.
Ministers also acknowledged that investing in skills is investing in the future, further outlining that skills are the hard currency in the labour market and the key to promoting industrial upgrading, enhancing economic diversification, and strengthening national competitiveness.
