World's first intl vocational education standard developed under China's leadership

The Framework of World Vocational and Technical Education Standards (Beijing Agreement) was jointly released by 45 countries on Saturday, marking the first international vocational education standard developed under China's leadership.

The framework was released at the closing ceremony of the World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference 2026 held in Tianjin.

The Beijing Agreement said the common value pursuit of vocational education includes promoting economic prosperity and social progress, serving people's all-round development, broadening channels for social equity, deepening mutual learning and exchange of vocational skills, and actively responding to future challenges.

It proposes improving the system for running vocational schools, building a lifelong education and training system for all, developing teaching materials through industry-education collaboration and building the teaching workforce through school-enterprise cooperation.

The agreement calls for carrying out internships and practical training based on actual job requirements and empowering education and teaching reform with artificial intelligence.

The agreement covers key areas of global concern in vocational education, including values, systems, governance, support and measures, according to the Ministry of Education.

China has built the world's largest vocational education system. The country has more than 10,000 vocational schools with over 30 million students. Vocational schools supply more than 70 percent of China's new frontline skilled workers annually, the ministry said.