Beijing Agreement advances global vocational education cooperation

The Framework of World Vocational and Technical Education Standards, known as the Beijing Agreement, was jointly released by 45 countries at the closing ceremony of the World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference 2026 in Tianjin, China, on October 17.

Led by China, the framework sets out shared principles and practical approaches for vocational education, including closer cooperation between schools and industry, lifelong learning, workplace training and the use of artificial intelligence in teaching.

It aims to promote economic and social development, expand equal opportunities and strengthen international cooperation in skills development.

During the closing ceremony, China's Ministry of Education signed memorandums of understanding on vocational education cooperation with 13 countries.

Chinese institutions also signed memorandums of understanding with 11 overseas institutions across six fields, including telecommunications and the automotive sector.

The agreements cover cooperation in program development, curriculum design and teacher training.