Resources:
Watch the wrap-up video of the event highlights here: Link
For the recording and agenda of the forum, please visit: Link
For the released publications, please visit: Link
The Global Forum on Digital Transformation in TVET (Shenzhen) 2024 was held from October 22 to 23 at Shenzhen Polytechnic University (SZPU), focusing on the theme Transforming TVET for the Age of AI. Co-organized by the UNESCO Chair on Digitalization in TVET at SZPU, the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for TVET, and the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia, the forum has attracted nearly 130 participants from 35 countries, including TVET policymakers, leaders, practitioners, and experts from international organizations, research institutions, and high-tech companies.
Group photo of participants
The opening ceremony featured speeches from Mr. Zhong Jiajun, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government; Mr. Cai Maozhou, Inspector-General of the Education Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality; Mr. Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO’s Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia; Mr. Li Shengyang, Vice President, Global Public Sector, Enterprise BG, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.; and Mr. Xu Jianling, President of Shenzhen Polytechnic University. These leaders highlighted the crucial role of AI technologies in advancing the digital transformation of TVET and stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the AI era.
Key Presentations and Outcomes
Keynote presentations were delivered by Mr. Yang Xinbin, Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair on Digitalization in TVET, with the topic Digital Transformation of TVET in the Context of New Quality Productive Forces, and Mr. Zhu Zhiting, Emeritus Professor from East China Normal University, who presented on Digital Transformation in Education: Essence, Logic, and Opportunities. These presentations explored AI-driven pathways for TVET and strategies for implementing digital transformation in education.
Mr. Yang Xinbin delivering a keynote presentation
Highlight of Three Thematic Sessions
A significant feature of this year’s forum was the special session organized by the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for TVET. Mr. Friedrich Huebler, Head of UNESCO-UNEVOC, delivered the opening remarks for the session, which focused on Global Governance and Policy Implementation on Digital Transformation in TVET. Moderated by Mr. Ruairi Gough, the session featured a panel discussion by Mr. Olivier Pieume (UNESCO-UNEVOC), Mr. James Keevy (JET Education Services, South Africa), and Mr. Tuukka Soini (Omnia, Finland), who shared insights into implementing digitalization policies across different regions. The discussion explored practical challenges and strategies for effective governance and policy frameworks, contributing to a deeper understanding of the global landscape of TVET digital transformation.
Panel discussion with Mr. Olivier Pieume, Mr. James Keevy, and Mr. Tuukka Soini, moderated by Mr. Ruairi Gough
Other sessions at the forum focused on digital capacity building for TVET institutions and the importance of partnerships in building sustainable TVET digital transformation ecosystems, emphasizing the collaborative efforts required for effective digital transformation.
New Publications Released
During the forum, the UNESCO Chair on Digitalization in TVET released five key publications: Digital Transformation in Global TVET: Methodology and Practices, Syllabuses of Digital Programs in TVET, and a series of 50 course syllabuses, including Course Syllabuses for TVET: The Artificial Intelligence Programme and Course Syllabuses for TVET: The Big Data Programme, as well as 100 Promising Practices of Digital Transformation in TVET. These resources aim to provide TVET institutions worldwide with practical tools and frameworks for their digital transformation journey.
The five key publications released during the forum
Extending Global Impact
On the second day, delegates visited Huawei to witness the emerging digital technologies and engaged in discussions on digital transformation and international cooperation, followed by a study visit to SZPU’s digital learning and training scenarios. These activities aimed to provide participants with insights into AI-driven solutions and future educational applications, further strengthening international partnerships in TVET. The entire forum, including the five key publications, was recorded and uploaded to the Chair’s official website, and shared through the UNESCO-UNEVOC network, reaching over 140 countries and enhancing the global impact and reputation of the UNESCO Chair on Digitalization in TVET.
